Maritime Technology and Naval Architecture

What is Convention, Protocol, Code and Annex ?

1. Convention

A convention is a main international law agreed by countries.
Once a country ratifies it, they must follow it.

🔹 Purpose: set legal obligations
🔹 Example:
• SOLAS – safety of life at sea
• MARPOL – prevention of pollution
• STCW – training and certification of seafarers

2. Protocol

A protocol is an addition or amendment to an existing convention.

🔹 Purpose: update, modify, or strengthen a convention
🔹 A country must ratify the protocol separately (sometimes)

🔹 Example:
• MARPOL 73/78 → 1978 Protocol updated MARPOL 1973
• CLC Protocols → increase liability limits

3. Code

A code gives technical and detailed rules on how to comply with a convention.

🔹 Purpose: explain how to implement the convention
🔹 Can be mandatory or recommendatory

🔹 Example:
• ISM Code – safety management
• IG Code – gas-fuelled ships
• IMDG Code – dangerous goods

4. Annex

An annex is a technical section attached to a convention.

🔹 Purpose: cover specific subjects in detail
🔹 Often mandatory

🔹 Example (MARPOL Annexes):
• Annex I – Oil
• Annex II – Noxious liquid substances
• Annex III – Harmful substances in packaged form
• Annex IV – Sewage
• Annex V – Garbage
• Annex VI – Air pollution

Latihan Elektropneumatik 14/01/2026
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