Questions and Answers
What percentage of solid waste generated on cruise ships is typically incinerated on board?
Which treaty specifically addresses marine pollution from ships?
Which of the following describes a consequence of solid waste entering the ocean?
What is one of the main issues highlighted in current international regulations regarding marine pollution?
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What is the primary risk associated with bilge water, even when it is treated before discharge?
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What is the primary focus of MARPOL?
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Which of the following is NOT a negative impact of the maritime shipping industry?
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Which of the following is a goal of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?
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What trend has historically influenced the environmental oversight of shipping companies?
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Which of these issues falls under the concerns of the maritime shipping industry?
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What is the main harmful effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in crude oil during oil spills?
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What are the potential public health risks associated with untreated blackwater discharged from cruise ships?
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What percentage of the wastewater discharged by cruise ships is greywater, including wastewater from sinks and showers?
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Which of the following pollutants is primarily associated with greywater from cruise ships?
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How much blackwater waste is generated by a large cruise ship with 3,000 passengers and crew per day?
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Study Notes
Solid Waste on Ships
- Solid waste categories include glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics.
- Waste can be non-hazardous or hazardous and may contribute to marine debris if discharged into the ocean.
- Cruise ships manage waste through source reduction, waste minimization, and recycling strategies.
- Approximately 75% of solid waste is incinerated onboard; ash is often discharged at sea or taken ashore for disposal.
- Marine life, including mammals, fish, sea turtles, and birds, faces risks from entanglement in plastic waste.
International Regulation
- Treaties such as the Marine Pollution Treaty and the UN Convention on Law of the Sea focus on regulating marine pollution and protecting marine species.
- Many current maritime regulations are criticized as inadequate, emphasizing technical safety without addressing root causes of substandard shipping practices.
Bilge Water Pollution
- Oil leaks from machinery and maintenance mix with water in the ship's bilge, the lowest hull area.
- Although treated before discharge, even small amounts of oil in bilge water can be toxic to marine life.
- The EPA claims emissions from marine diesel contribute to nonattainment of ozone and carbon monoxide levels.
Oil Spills
- Oil spills, though less frequent than ongoing pollution, have catastrophic effects on marine ecosystems.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in crude oil are toxic and persist in the environment, complicating cleanup efforts.
Wastewater Discharges
- Cruise ships release approximately 255,000 US gallons of greywater and 30,000 US gallons of blackwater daily.
- Blackwater poses health risks due to harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients that can contaminate fisheries and cause algal blooms.
- A large cruise ship generates between 55,000 to 110,000 liters of blackwater per day, while greywater can contain pollutants far exceeding typical domestic wastewater levels.
Trends in the Maritime Industry
- Marine transport plays a crucial role in global trade, handling over 10 billion tons of cargo annually.
- Historic environmental negligence was highlighted by oil spills in the 1960s, leading to the formation of MARPOL to curb vessel pollution.
- Increased ship noise impacts marine life, interfering with communication and survival, particularly for whales.
Wildlife Collisions
- Ship strikes pose a significant threat to marine mammals, with a 79% fatality chance for whales hit by vessels traveling at just 15 knots.
- The endangered North Atlantic right whale is especially vulnerable, with collisions accounting for a notable percentage of its deaths.
Atmospheric Pollution
- Ship exhaust is a major source of air pollution, emitting harmful conventional pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Diesel engines that use bunker oil produce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, contributing to various atmospheric issues.
- Bilge water can contain pollutants, adding to the cumulative environmental impact from vessels.
Key Challenges in the Maritime Industry
- The International Maritime Organization announced a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 40% by 2030.
- Companies are encouraged to adopt digital technology and AI for better fleet management and emissions tracking.
- Human error contributes to 96% of at-sea incidents, highlighting the need for improved onboard systems and training for crew members.
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Description
This quiz covers the management of solid waste on ships, including different waste categories and treatment methods. It also explores the impact of waste on marine life and international regulations aimed at preventing marine pollution. Test your knowledge on how cruise ships handle waste and the effectiveness of current maritime laws.
