Solid Waste Management: Compliance, Practices, Destination and Impact Among Merchant Vessels Docking in Iloilo Ports, Philippines

Abstract

There are no or few existing studies exist on the solid waste management of ships in Fort San Pedro port (FSPP) and Dumangas port (DP), Iloilo, Philippines. Thus, this descriptive-survey determines the compliance and practices on ship’s solid waste management, its impact to crew members on board the vessel and the fate of these solid wastes during docking. Nine ships served as samples, six of which are Ro-Ro from DP and three passenger-cargo vessels from FSPP. There were 141 crews were interviewd which comprise of six masters (four masters from DP and two from FSPP), three chief officers (two from DP and one from FSPP), 50 crew from Ro-Ro vessels at DP and 82 crew from passenger vessels in FSPP were interviewed on the impacts of solid waste management. The results showed a 100% compliance to solid waste management among vessels in both ports while in wastes practices’ on board, specific garbage bins where used by these vessels. Consequently, these vessels upon reaching the receiving port, relinquish their solid wastes to the “Golden Dragon” that collects solid wastes. The present study showed that vessels in both ports observe the Annex V of the MARPOL 73/78 and reveals an eco-friendly shipping.