Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) and MARPOL Special Areas
A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) is a marine area that requires special protection through action by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) because of its recognized ecological, socio-economic, or scientific significance, and because it is vulnerable to damage from international shipping activities.
A MARPOL Special Area, on the other hand, is a sea area where, due to its recognized oceanographic and ecological conditions and the nature of shipping traffic, stricter discharge regulations are necessary to prevent marine pollution.
The key difference is that a PSSA requires IMO-approved Associated Protective Measures (APMs) such as routing systems, reporting systems, or pilotage requirements, whereas a MARPOL Special Area automatically applies stricter operational discharge restrictions for pollutants such as oil, sewage, noxious liquid substances, and garbage.
1. Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)
A PSSA is a geographically defined marine area that requires special protection from the risks posed by international shipping. The designation is based on the area's ecological, socio-economic, or scientific importance and its vulnerability to shipping activities.
Key Features:
- Designated by the IMO.
- Focuses on protecting sensitive marine environments from shipping-related risks.
- Requires implementation of Associated Protective Measures (APMs).
- Protective measures are tailored to the specific characteristics and vulnerabilities of the area.
Examples of APMs:
- Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)
- Areas To Be Avoided (ATBAs)
- Mandatory ship reporting systems
- Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
- Compulsory pilotage
- Speed restrictions
2. MARPOL Special Area
A Special Area is a sea area designated under the MARPOL Convention where special mandatory regulations apply because the area's oceanographic, ecological, and traffic conditions make it particularly vulnerable to pollution.
Key Features:
- Defined under MARPOL Annexes.
- Focuses mainly on preventing pollution from operational discharges.
- Applies uniform discharge restrictions to all vessels operating in the area.
- No additional protective measures are required beyond the specific MARPOL regulations.
1. Mediterranean Sea Area
Requirements:
- Strict controls on discharge of oil and oily mixtures.
- Special regulations for noxious liquid substances (NLS).
- Strict garbage disposal restrictions.
- Designated as a Special Area under:
- MARPOL Annex I (Oil)
- MARPOL Annex II (Noxious Liquid Substances)
- MARPOL Annex V (Garbage)
2. Baltic Sea Area
Requirements:
- Strict control of oil discharges.
- Special requirements for noxious liquid substances.
- Very stringent garbage discharge restrictions.
- Strict sewage discharge regulations, particularly for passenger ships.
- Protected under Annex I, Annex II, Annex IV (Sewage), and Annex V.
3. Black Sea Area
Requirements:
- Strict regulations on oil discharges.
- Controls on noxious liquid substances.
- Strict garbage disposal requirements.
- Enhanced protection due to its semi-enclosed nature and limited water exchange.
4. Red Sea Area
Requirements:
- Special Area for oil and garbage.
- Discharge of oil, oily mixtures, and garbage is generally prohibited except under limited exemptions.
- Protection is necessary because of its sensitive marine ecosystem.
5. Gulfs Area (Persian Gulf)
Requirements:
- Strict prohibition on discharging oil and oily mixtures.
- Strict garbage discharge restrictions.
- Limited exceptions may apply for food waste under prescribed conditions.
- Protected under Annex I and Annex V.
6. Antarctic Area
Requirements:
- Receives the highest level of environmental protection.
- Practically zero discharge of oil or oily mixtures.
- Discharge of garbage is prohibited.
- Discharge of noxious liquid substances is prohibited.
- Disposal of plastics is completely forbidden.
- Strict controls apply under Annex I, Annex II, and Annex V.
1. Criteria for Designating a PSSA
According to IMO Guidelines, a proposed PSSA must satisfy the following criteria:
- Uniqueness or rarity
- Critical habitat for marine species
- Biological diversity
- Naturalness
- Fragility and sensitivity of ecosystems
- Economic dependence on marine resources
- Recreational and tourism value
- Cultural significance
- Importance for scientific research and education
The area must be demonstrably at risk from international shipping, such as:
- Heavy shipping traffic
- Narrow channels or straits
- High risk of collision or grounding
- Transport of hazardous cargoes
2. Criteria for Designating a MARPOL Special Area
The MARPOL Convention specifies three main criteria:
- Semi-enclosed seas
- Poor water circulation
- Slow flushing characteristics
- Unique physical and chemical properties
- Sensitive marine ecosystems
- Exceptional biological productivity
- Vulnerable habitats and species
- High density of shipping traffic
- Significant risk of pollution from routine ship operations
- Need for stricter and uniform pollution-prevention measures
Additional Protective Measures (APMs) Used in PSSAs
In addition to MARPOL pollution-control requirements, PSSAs are protected through Associated Protective Measures (APMs) adopted by the IMO.
1. Ship Routing Measures
- Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)
- Deep-water routes
- Areas To Be Avoided (ATBAs)
These measures reduce the risk of collisions, groundings, and environmental damage.
2. Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems
- Ships must report their movements to coastal authorities.
- Enables monitoring and early intervention when required.
3. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
- Continuous monitoring and guidance by shore authorities.
- Improves navigational safety and pollution prevention.
4. Compulsory Pilotage
- Local pilots assist vessels navigating complex or environmentally sensitive waters.
- Reduces the risk of accidents.
5. Speed Restrictions
- Minimize underwater noise.
- Reduce the risk of whale strikes and collisions with marine wildlife.
- Allow more reaction time in hazardous waters.