Editorial note

The London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter prohibits the dumping of ‘wastes and other matter’ listed in Annex I, requires a specific permit to be granted for dumping ‘wastes and other matter’ listed in Annex II, and requires a general permit to be granted for dumping ‘wastes and other matter’ listed in Annex III (Article IV(1)). ‘Wastes and other matter’ is defined broadly as any type of material or substance (Article III(4)). The rules do not restrict a Party from prohibiting dumping of any matter not included in Annex I (Article IV(3)). Permits are subject to grants by national authorities in respect of all matter intended to be dumped that is loaded in a Party's territory and, if loaded in the territory of a non-Party, in respect of vessels flying its flag (Article VI). Parties are required to take measures to prevent and punish breaches of the Convention (Article VII). Parties also undertake to develop rules governing liability and dispute settlement (Article X). Exceptions to the Convention's obligations are permitted for dumping in cases of extreme risk to human life, ships or aircraft and where no alternative to dumping is apparent (Article V). In addition, the Convention does not apply to disposal of material in the normal operation of aircrafts, ships or other man-made structures or to materials disposed of in the course of exploiting the sea-bed resources (Articles III(1)(b) and III(1)(c)).