Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# VOC Management Plan

Mandatory for every crude oil tanker: the plan that minimises volatile organic compound emissions during loading, the voyage and discharge.

VOC MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 15 tankers

## Operational Explanation

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released from crude oil during loading, the voyage and discharge operations, contributing to air pollution and tropospheric ozone formation. Regulation 15.6 of MARPOL Annex VI requires every crude oil tanker to carry and implement a VOC Management Plan approved by the Flag Administration.

The plan is ship-specific and provides written procedures to minimise VOC emissions during the three critical operational phases: crude oil loading, the sea voyage and cargo discharge. The requirement applies to every crude oil tanker, whether newly built or already in service.

MEPC 84 update (2026): an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 15 has been adopted introducing a requirement for pressure-vacuum (PV) valves on the venting systems of cargo tanks on crude oil tankers, further strengthening VOC vapour containment during the sea voyage. The PV valve limits vapour release from tank venting within set pressure/vacuum thresholds, reducing fugitive emissions compared with traditional venting systems lacking this device.

## Regulatory Reference

MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 15.6: requirement for a VOC Management Plan approved by the Flag Administration for every crude oil tanker, with specific procedures for loading, the voyage and discharge. MEPC 84 amendment (2026) to Regulation 15: requirement for pressure-vacuum (PV) valves on the venting systems of cargo tanks on crude oil tankers.

## Scope of Application

Every crude oil tanker, regardless of age or build date.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Verify that the VOC Management Plan on board is ship-specific and approved by the Flag Administration.
2. Apply the operational procedures set out in the plan during the loading phase, minimising vapour release.
3. Maintain the containment procedures set out in the plan during the sea voyage.
4. Apply the specific procedures for the discharge phase, coordinating with the terminal on the management of return vapours where applicable.
5. Train the crew on the VOC Management Plan's specific operational procedures, distinguishing them from general loading/discharge procedures.
6. Verify the installation and correct maintenance of pressure-vacuum (PV) valves on cargo tank venting systems, per the MEPC 84 amendment to Regulation 15.

## Practical Example

Example application: during crude oil loading, the crew applies the loading sequence set out in the VOC Management Plan to minimise vapour release, coordinating with the terminal for any vapour recovery under the approved plan's specific procedures.

## Real Cases

Managing VOC emissions from tankers is a significant environmental challenge for the industry, given the inherently volatile nature of crude oil during loading and discharge operations: the VOC Management Plan addresses this challenge with ship-specific, verifiable and formally approved procedures, rather than generic operational guidance.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
VOC Management Plan treated as a generic document rather than ship-specific | Procedures not calibrated to the ship's actual technical characteristics | Verify the plan is ship-specific and consistent with the vessel's actual technical configuration
Crew not specifically trained on VOC procedures, confused with general loading procedures | Incomplete application of emission minimisation measures | Train the crew specifically on the VOC Management Plan's procedures, distinct from general ones
Coordination with the terminal for vapour recovery not verified before operations | Failure to apply the minimisation measures intended for the discharge phase | Always verify coordination with the terminal on vapour management before operations begin
Pressure-vacuum (PV) valve on cargo tanks not checked after the MEPC 84 amendment to Regulation 15 entered into force | Non-compliance with the new vapour containment requirement for crude oil tankers | Verify installation and maintenance of the PV valve under the new amendment, incorporating it into planned maintenance checks

## PSC Observations

PSCOs verify the presence on board of the approved VOC Management Plan for crude oil tankers, and may request evidence of its operational application during loading and discharge.

## Operational Tips

- Verify that the VOC Management Plan is specific to your ship, not a generic document adapted from another unit.
- Train the crew specifically on VOC procedures, distinguishing them from general loading/discharge procedures.
- Always coordinate return vapour management with the terminal before loading/discharge operations begin.

## Checklist

- Ship-specific VOC Management Plan verified and approved by the Administration
- Loading procedures applied per the plan to minimise vapour release
- Containment procedures maintained during the sea voyage
- Coordination with the terminal on vapour management verified before discharge
- Crew specifically trained on the VOC Management Plan procedures
- Pressure-vacuum (PV) valve on cargo tanks installed and verified per the MEPC 84 amendment to Regulation 15

## FAQ

Which ships must have a VOC Management Plan?
Every crude oil tanker, under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 15.6, whether newly built or already in service.
Is the VOC Management Plan a generic document or ship-specific?
It is specific to each individual ship and must be approved by the Flag Administration, providing written procedures calibrated to the unit's actual technical characteristics.
In which operational phases do the VOC Management Plan procedures apply?
During crude oil loading, the sea voyage and cargo discharge — the three phases in which volatile organic compound release is most critical.
What does the MEPC 84 amendment to Regulation 15 introduce?
A requirement for pressure-vacuum (PV) valves on the venting systems of cargo tanks on crude oil tankers, to strengthen VOC vapour containment during the sea voyage.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

MARPOL Annex VI Fuel Oil Changeover (ECA)

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