ICOMIA Podcast Episode 21 – Peter Wallbank on MARPOL Legislation is now ready to watch
Table of Contents
ICOMIA Podcast Episode 21
The latest episode of the ICOMIA Podcast, hosted by Ben Taylor and supported by Elite Marinas, focuses on MARPOL legislation and its relevance to the leisure marine sector.
The guest is Peter Wallbank, Technical Director at August Race, a marine maintenance product manufacturer and member of ICOMIA’s Technical and Sustainability Committees.
MARPOL – Preventing Shipping Pollution
The episode explores how MARPOL, a long-established international framework designed to prevent pollution from ships, applies not only to commercial shipping but also to leisure marine activity, particularly where cleaning products, detergents and maintenance chemicals may be discharged into the marine environment.
Wallbank explains that while MARPOL compliance is embedded in the commercial maritime sector, awareness in the leisure marine industry remains limited. His concern is that boat owners, contractors, chandlers, marinas and marine businesses may be unknowingly using or supplying products that are harmful to the marine environment, despite operating in settings where those products are likely to be rinsed directly into the water.
A Key Discussion Point
A key discussion point is the distinction between broad sustainability claims and fact-based compliance. Wallbank notes that terms such as “green” and “eco” are often used loosely, whereas MARPOL requires a clearer standard: products discharged into the marine environment must be non-harmful.
He also distinguishes this from lifecycle assessment, explaining that LCA may measure wider sustainability performance, but it does not automatically prove that a product is non-harmful to marine life.
Greater Transparency
The podcast highlights research carried out by August Race into boat wash products. Wallbank says the company reviewed 46 material safety data sheets for boat wash products and found that nearly 70% were classified as harmful to the marine environment.
Some products making environmental claims were also found to fall into this category, raising concerns around greenwashing and the need for greater transparency.
An Important Role to Play
The episode argues that marinas have a particularly important role to play. As the main point of contact between boat owners, contractors and the marine environment, marina operators can help raise awareness through berth contracts, site notices, contractor requirements and direct communication with berth holders.
Wallbank also warns that MARPOL breaches could carry insurance implications, as illegal acts may not be covered by insurers.
The Central Message
The central message of the conversation is simple: the industry needs to ask better questions. Boat owners should ask whether cleaning products are suitable for use in the marine environment; chandlers should ask distributors; distributors should ask manufacturers; and marinas should ask contractors and berth holders to demonstrate awareness of their obligations.
Summing Up
MARPOL compliance is not only a commercial shipping issue. It is directly relevant to leisure marine businesses, marinas, contractors and boat owners, particularly when products are used in ways that may discharge into the water. The episode calls for greater awareness, clearer product information and practical industry-led education to reduce preventable chemical pollution in marinas and coastal environments.
More ICOMIA Podcast Episodes
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