Ship Execution Plan (SEP) - Single Use Plastic

Ship Particulars

Name:
IMO Number:
Call Sign:
Type:
Port of Registry:
Flag:

Purpose and Aim

The purpose of the plan is to comply with the Indian Government Directorate General of
Shipping (DGS) order No. 5 of 2019 and addendum No. 1 – Prohibition on use of Single Use
Plastics on board merchant ships.

Accordingly, a ban is imposed on the use of single use plastic on Indian Flag ships at all
times and on Foreign Flag ships whist within Indian Territorial Waters, port or place.

Further the Kuwaiti Ministry of Communications Circular No. 08/2019 implements a similar
regulation to the Indian Government DGS order, however, with 1st Jan 2020 as the
implementation date.

Further the plan shall apply to all SMM/SMI managed vessels worldwide in respect to the
prohibition of use on board of Single Use Plastics (SUP) included within Appendix 1 in
accordance with the defined execution schedules.

The aim of the plan is to reduce the proliferation of single use plastics within the global
environment.

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Introduction
Single-use plastic is a significant threat to life in the ocean and the planet as a whole. The
shipping industry has a proud history of facilitating the flow of trade and over the last few
decades has been proactive in improving its environmental performance.

What is Single Use Plastic (SUP) and why is it a problem?

Roughly 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year and half of it is disposable!
World-wide only 10-13% of plastic items are recycled. The nature of petroleum based
disposable plastic makes it difficult to recycle and new virgin materials and chemicals need to
be added to it to do so. Additionally, there are a limited number of items that recycled plastic
can be used for.

Petroleum based plastic is not biodegradable and usually goes into a landfill where it is
buried, or it gets into the water and finds its way into the ocean. Plastics do not biodegrade.
Instead they slowly break down into smaller pieces of plastic called micro-plastics. In the
process of breaking down, it releases toxic chemicals (additives that were used to shape and
harden the plastic) which make their way into food and water supplies. These toxic chemicals
are now being found in the human bloodstream and the latest research has found them to
disrupt the Endocrine system which can cause cancer, infertility, birth defects, impaired
immunity and many other ailments.

Definition of Single Use Plastic (SUP)

The DGS order No. 5 of 2019 defines SUP as “disposable plastics which are used only once
and then thrown away by the user”. The definition does not include those plastic items which
are re-used on ships. The item should be completely made of plastic.

Examples of single-use plastic include but not restricted to:

 plastic drinking bottles used for water
 plastic cutlery/utensils – i.e. plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks etc.
 plastic straws and stirrers
 plastic bags e.g. shopping/grocery bags
 plastic garbage bags.
 plastic bottles for milk, juice and other drinks
 dispensing containers for cleaning fluids
 plastic hot drink (coffee) cups/container lids
 plastic trays and containers
 drinks can (six pack) rings
 freezer bags
 plastic cotton swabs

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 plastic microwave dishes
 biscuit trays
 plastic protective packaging
 insulated food packaging
 potato chip bags
 Styrofoam or plastic take away containers
 food wrappers
 plastic bottle caps
 ice cream containers/tubs
 cigarette butts
 cling film/food packaging film

DGS order No. 5 of 2019 excludes plastic drink and dispensing containers for fluids which
are greater than 10 litres capacity but includes non-biodegradable multi layered packaging.

Caution: Check local requirements as there can be more stringent regulations for
prohibition/segregation of SUPs.

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Items not included within DGS order No. 5 of 2019 as amended
 Items such as juice/ milk cartons/ tetra-packs with a plastic lining or caps.
 Biodegradable plastic with a stamp, marking or certificate from the manufacturer.
 Plastic items which are re-used on board.
 Cargo related items and packaging.
 Crew and passengers’ personnel effects until further Notice (may later be included by a
further addendum).
 Necessary items such as personal protective equipment, medicines, medicinal equipment,
lifesaving and firefighting appliances and other statutory equipment which are made up
of SUP or contained in SUP (i.e. MARPOL/Statutory related equipment e.g. sample
bottles).

Garbage Management Plan

Under MARPOL Annex V disposal of plastic waste at sea has been prohibited for many
years. Collection, processing and disposal of plastic waste is controlled by the VMS Garbage
Management Plan which has been developed in accordance with Revised MARPOL Annex
V, IMO Res MEPC.295(71) “2017 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex
V” and IMO Res. MEPC.277 (70).

These processes ensure that the shipboard complement are well versed in the prohibition of
introducing plastic waste to the environment.

Ship Execution Plan (SEP) & Inventory list

Foreign Flag ships visiting Indian ports must not use items made of single use plastics during
their stay in territorial waters/port and hence the SEP shall include the methodology to
prevent use whilst in the territorial waters of these countries. As far as possible ships shall
avoid using SUP on board.

Inventory of Single Use Plastics on board shall be compiled as follows:

1. An initial inventory of all single use plastic on board as on 31st Jan 2020 for cargo ships.
2. The example list has been compiled for guidance within the appendix and it’s to be
amended for ship specific considerations, the list should have categorization as per
below:

Execution Schedule – Foreign Flag Cargo ships

Execution Plan
whist within Indian Waters, port or place.
Preparation of complete list of all single use plastic 31st January, 2020
on board
Identification, listing and prohibition of 50% SUP 1st April, 2020
contained in inventory 1) – Group A
Identification, listing and prohibition of 75% SUP 1st July, 2020
contained in inventory 1) – Group A + B
Identification, listing and prohibition of 90% SUP 1st October, 2020
contained in inventory 1) - Group A + B + C

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The requirement allows rest of the identified 10% SUPs for continued usage post 1st Oct
2020.

The inventory will also have the location onboard & suggested replacement columns for each
SUP item.

See the Appendix 1 for the example list.

Note: Please check for local requirements for similar ban on SUPs. (e.g. Kuwait)

Enforcement of DGS order No. 5 of 2019

Local authorities carrying out inspections of foreign flag vessels in Indian port or place will
verify that SUPs are not in use and are kept locked in a store during the vessels stay as per the
SEP.

If a non-compliance is detected during the inspection, no detention of foreign ships will be

enforced. In case it is found necessary, after uploading all other deficiencies on IOCIS
website, hand written deficiency in the printed Form ‘B’ to be rectified prior departure may
be issued, however no such deficiency will be uploaded on IOCIS website database.

Record Keeping demonstrating compliance with prohibition on use

A deck and official log entry may be made by the Master identifying the SUP items on board
the ship, together with a statement of the time and latitude/longitude when they were locked
in identified storeroom(s) as mentioned in Appendix 2 prior to entering territorial waters or
port that prohibits the use of the SUP. To achieve this, the items could be locked with the
keys being held by responsible officers.

Secure Storage
Where single use plastics are held on board, the methodology shall include storing all single
use plastics within a secure storage room/locker in order to prevent their use. This also
applies to SUP intended to be landed to port reception facilities as garbage.

The secure storage room(s)/locker(s) shall be storing single use plastics and shall not be
accessible to the ships complement during the period within Indian territorial waters as
detailed above.

The storage locations to be listed as in Appendix 2.

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Reducing SUP presence on board - Storing Process

Options include:
 Using supplies that come in bulk packaging, considering factors such as adequate shelf-
life (once a container is opened) to avoid increasing associated garbage.
 Using supplies that come in reusable or recyclable packaging and containers.
 Avoiding the use of disposable cups, utensils, dishes and rags and other convenience
items whenever possible.
 Avoiding supplies packaged in plastic, unless the packaging is reusable, recyclable or
bio-degradable.

At storing ports all items received in packaging which is prohibited to be held on board shall
be returned to the supplier at the point of receipt on board.

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Reception Facilities
Single use plastic reception facilities are provided at all Indian Ports through the Swachh
Sagar Portal via DGS website www.dgshipping.gov.in
 All ships visiting any Indian port or anchorage should access the web portal. Provide
details as stated there including inventory of ship generated waste on board whether or
not a port reception facility is required
 If ship at anchorage, fill such details weekly.
 Request port reception facilities if required preferably 24 hours or more prior arrival.
 Segregate and mark all waste meant for disposal, for SUP mark clearly as SUP.

Appendix 1 - Complete inventory list of all SUP used on board

Inventory List 1: To be compiled on board for SUP used on 31.01.2020

SUP Execution Schedule: A : 50% (ban after 01.04.2020)
A + B : 75% (ban after 01.07.2020)
A+B+C : 90% (ban after 01.10.2020)

Execution Schedule
Sr. Foreign Flag ships whist
Item Location on board Replacement suggested
No. within Indian Waters, port
or place.
1. Plastic cups Provision Store Metallic A
2. Plastic plates Provision Store Metallic A
3. Plastic spoons Provision Store Metallic A
4. Plastic forks Provision Store Metallic A
5. Plastic knives Provision Store Metallic/wooden A
6. Plastic stirrers Provision Store Metallic/wooden A
7. Plastic containers (only Galley/Cabin Store Tin A
single use)
8. Garbage bags (plastic) Cabin Store/Engine Bio-Degradable bags A
Workshop Store/
Forecastle Bosun Store
9. Insulated food packaging Galley Bio-degradable material A
10. Ice cream containers/tubs Refrigerated Chamber Paper A
11. Cling film Galley/Cabin Store Beeswax food Wraps A
12. Plastic wrap of 6 pack Provision Store Cardboard/paper A
water bottles
13. Cooking oil in plastic Galley Metallic A
containers
14. Plastic bags e.g. shopping/ Provision Store Cloth or paper A
grocery bags
15. Plastic chopsticks. Galley/Provision Store wooden A
16. Plastic straws Provision Store Paper A
17. Plastic bottles for milk, Refrigerated Chamber Metallic A
juices ≤ 10ltrs
18. Plastic bottles for other Refrigerated Chamber/ Metallic A
drinks. ≤ 10ltrs Provision Store
19. Styrofoam or plastic take Refrigerated Chamber/ Paper or bio-degradable A
away containers. Provision Store container
20. Plastic mineral water Provision Store RO unit onboard & A
pouch reusable drinking water
containers
21. Plastic & Thermocol used Refrigerated Chamber/ Paper & metal A
for decoration purpose Provision Store
22. Thermocol food Galley/Provision Store bio-degradable container A
containers

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 Execution Schedule
Sr. Foreign Flag ships whist
Item Location on board Replacement suggested
No. within Indian Waters, port
or place.
23. Dish washing plastic Cabin Store Metallic A
container
24. Laundry softener plastic Cabin Store Metallic A
container
25. Washing detergent plastic Cabin Store Bio-degradable material A
wrapper
26. Garbage Bags for garbage Garbage Store/Deck Bio-degradable/Paper A
compactor Store
27. Plastic Pallet Aft Deck Wooden A
28. Containers with chemical Chemical Store Metallic A
1ltr
29. Plastic containers with Cabin Store Metallic A
hand cleaner 5ltr
30. Toilet cleaner containers Chemical Store Metallic A
31. Dispensing containers for Galley/Cabin Store Metallic B
cleaning fluids
32. Plastic cotton swabs Galley/Cabin Store Wooden B
33. Ketchup/sauce in plastic Provision Store Glass with metallic caps B
bottles.
34. Use and throw pens Stationary/Bridge Re-usable pens B
35. Plastic bottles for juices Provision Store Tetra packs B
36. Plastic packing bags for Cabin Store Bio-degradable/Paper B
powder chemicals in bulk
37. Liquid Detergent Cabin Store Metallic B
containers.
38. Chemicals supplied in Cabin Store Metallic B
plastic pails
39. Lub oil supplied in plastic Steering Gear Room Metallic B
pails
40. Floor cleaner plastic Cabin Store Metallic B
container
41. Oven cleaner plastic Cabin Store Metallic B
container
42. Liquid soap plastic Cabin Store Metallic B
container
43. Polyethylene sheeting Cabin Store Paper or canvas B
2,43 X 30,48
44. Drinks can (six pack) Bonded locker/ Cardboard box B
rings and wrap Provision Store
45. Plastic caps of bottled Provision Store Metallic caps C
food (pickle, Nutella,
coffee etc. caps)
46. Cigarette wrap Bonded Locker Paper C
47. Plastic packing bags for Cabin Store Bio-degradable/Paper C
washing/detergent powder
48. Disposable boiler suits Chemical Store Paper C
49. Disposable cover for Chemical Store Re-usable safety covers C
safety shoes
50. Plastic biscuit trays Galley/Provision Store Metallic/wooden C
51. Potato chips & other Bonded locker/ Paper C
snacks packets Provision Store
52. Tooth paste Bonded locker Metallic/Bio-degradable C
53. Shampoo bottle Bonded locker Metallic/Bio-degradable C
54. Mouthwash bottle Bonded locker Metallic/Bio-degradable C
55. Plastic Rice Bags Provision Store Bio-degradable C

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 Execution Schedule
Sr. Foreign Flag ships whist
Item Location on board Replacement suggested
No. within Indian Waters, port
or place.
56. Food wrappers (supplied Provision Store 10%
in plastic packets like
flour packet, Masala,
biscuit pack cover,
chocolates, noodles,
frozen veg etc. in plastic
cover)
57. Plastic drinking water Provision Store/Engine 10%
bottles Control Room
58. Single use Printer Stationary/Bridge 10%
cartridges
59. Plastic protective Engine Control Room 10%
packaging of stores
(bubble pack and cling
pack)
60. Plastic stationary (pens, Stationary/Bridge 10%
marker pens, tapes,
laminating pouches etc.)

List of the 10% of the items from above list which the ship intends to continue using in an
ongoing manner post 1st October, 2020.

a) Food wrappers b) Plastic protective c) Plastic drinking water d) Plastic stationary

packaging of stores bottles
e) Single use Printer f) g) h)
cartridges

Appendix 2 - List of nominated storage location (Ship specific)

The nominated storage locations will be kept locked & key with responsible officer while
vessel is in territorial waters of the countries banning single use plastics.

Sr.
Nominated Secure Storage Location (s)
No.