The International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate is a statutory certificate required under MARPOL Annex VI, which regulates the prevention of air pollution from ships. It confirms that the vessel complies with international standards on air emissions, fuel quality, and engine performance, thereby reducing harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.
What is the IAPP Certificate?
The IAPP Certificate is issued by the Flag State Administration or its Recognized Organization (RO) (typically a classification society) after surveys confirm compliance with MARPOL Annex VI requirements.
It applies to:
All ships of 400 GT and above engaged in international voyages.
All fixed and floating drilling rigs and platforms.
Every marine diesel engine with a power output of more than 130 kW installed on ships, unless exempted.
Key Areas Covered by the IAPP Certificate
- Fuel Oil Quality
Verification that only compliant fuels are used (sulphur content below MARPOL limits).
Current global limit: 0.50% m/m sulphur (since 1 Jan 2020).
Stricter 0.10% m/m sulphur limit inside Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
- Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
Prohibition of new installations containing CFCs, halons, and other ODS.
Record-keeping of existing systems (e.g., refrigerants).
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions
Compliance with IMO NOx Technical Code, 2008.
Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III limits depending on engine installation date and operating area.
- Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Particulate Matter
Use of low-sulphur fuels or approved Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS / Scrubbers).
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Tankers may require a VOC management plan to minimize emissions during cargo operations.
- Incinerators
Shipboard incinerators must comply with IMO standards for operation and emissions.
- Energy Efficiency
Compliance with Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships.
Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) mandatory for all ships.
Surveys for the IAPP Certificate
Initial Survey: Before the ship enters service.
Renewal Survey: Every 5 years.
Intermediate/Annual Surveys: To ensure continued compliance.
Verification: Conducted by Flag or RO surveyors, with focus on engines, fuel systems, and emission control equipment.
Supplement to the IAPP Certificate
The supplement is an integral part of the IAPP Certificate and provides detailed technical information.
Details in the Supplement include:
- Ship Particulars – Name, IMO number, gross tonnage, type, port of registry.
- Diesel Engines – List of engines >130 kW with details of NOx compliance (Tier I/II/III).
- Fuel Oil Data – Confirmation of sulphur content limits and fuel changeover procedures.
- Emission Control Areas (ECAs) – Confirmation of arrangements for compliance when entering ECAs.
- Ozone-Depleting Substances – Details of systems using refrigerants or fire extinguishing gases.
- Incinerator Information – Type, approval number, and compliance status.
- Energy Efficiency – Confirmation of EEDI and SEEMP requirements.
- Survey Endorsements – Record of surveys, endorsements, and expiry date.
Validity and Endorsements
Validity: Maximum of 5 years, subject to successful annual/intermediate surveys.
Certificate can be suspended or withdrawn if non-compliance is detected.
Importance of the IAPP Certificate
- Environmental Protection – Reduces ship emissions that contribute to global air pollution and climate change.
- Regulatory Compliance – Mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI for international trade.
- Port State Control (PSC) – Frequently checked during inspections, especially in ECAs.
- Operational Legality – Ships without a valid IAPP cannot operate on international voyages.
- Insurance and Charterer Requirement – Proof of compliance is essential for commercial operations.
Conclusion
The International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate, along with its mandatory supplement, is central to modern environmental compliance at sea. It ensures that ships operate with cleaner fuels, efficient engines, and effective emission control systems—contributing to global efforts against air pollution and climate change
