Incinerator Operations
What can be incinerated on board, where it's prohibited, and how to keep track of the ash produced.
Operational Explanation
On-board incineration reduces the volume of solid waste and sludge, but is subject to precise restrictions on what may be incinerated, where, and how the resulting ash must be managed.
Regulatory Reference
MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 16. Prohibited from incineration: cargo residues subject to Annex I/II/III, PCBs, waste containing heavy metals above threshold, halogenated plastic products (e.g. PVC), sewage sludge and oily residues from port/estuary operations.
Scope of Application
Every ship fitted with an incinerator approved under MEPC.244(66) or an equivalent standard.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Verify that the waste to be incinerated does not fall into a prohibited category.
- Do not operate the incinerator in port, in estuaries or in internal waters, unless local rules state otherwise.
- Record the operation: type of waste, quantity, start/end time.
- Collect and record the ash produced in the Garbage Record Book (dedicated category).
- Periodically check the combustion temperature and maintenance per the manufacturer's specification.
Practical Example
Example Garbage Record Book entry: "Incinerator ash, 15 kg, position under way, category 'Incinerator ashes', landed ashore at Trieste on 21.07.2026."
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Incineration in port | Local/Annex VI violation, port sanctions | Bridge-engine room coordination before every start-up |
| Incineration of prohibited waste (e.g. PVC) | Serious violation, environmental damage | Crew training on prohibited categories |
| Ash not recorded in the Garbage Record Book | Inconsistency between waste produced and disposed of | Systematic recording of ash as a dedicated category |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Set an internal procedure requiring bridge confirmation (ship not in port/estuary) before start-up.
- Train the crew on the waste categories prohibited from incineration.
- Always record the ash produced, not just the waste fed in.
Checklist
- Ship not in port/estuary before start-up
- Waste verified as not prohibited
- Combustion temperature and parameters within range
- Ash recorded in the Garbage Record Book