Being Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against

Pollution, adopted at Barcelona on 16 February 1976,

Bearing in mind Article 7 of the said Convention,

Bearing in mind the increase in the activities concerning exploration and exploitation of the

Mediterranean seabed and its subsoil,

Recognizing that the pollution which may result therefrom represents a serious danger to

the environment and to human beings,

Desirous of protecting and preserving the Mediterranean Sea from pollution resulting from

exploration and exploitation activities,

Taking into account the Protocols related to the Convention for the Protection of the

Mediterranean Sea against Pollution and, in particular, the Protocol concerning Cooperation in

Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Oil and Other Harmful Substances in Cases of

Emergency, adopted at Barcelona on 16 February 1976, and the Protocol concerning Mediterranean

Specially Protected Areas, adopted at Geneva on 3 April 1982,

Bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of

the Sea, done at Montego Bay on 10 December 1982 and signed by many Contracting Parties,

Recognizing the differences in levels of development among the coastal States, and taking

account of the economic and social imperatives of the developing countries,

Exploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf and the Seabed and its Subsoil was adopted

on 14 October 1994 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Madrid and has not yet entered

into force.

DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Protocol:

(a) "Convention" means the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea

against Pollution, adopted at Barcelona on 16 February 1976;

(b) "Organization" means the body referred to in Article 17 of the Convention;

(c) "Resources" means all mineral resources, whether solid, liquid or gaseous;

(d) "Activities concerning exploration and/or exploitation of the resources in the

Protocol Area" (hereinafter referred to as "activities") means:

(i) Activities of scientific research concerning the resources of the seabed and

its subsoil;

(ii) Exploration activities:

- Seismological activities; surveys of the seabed and its subsoil; sample

taking;

- Exploration drilling;

(iii) Exploitation activities:

- Establishment of an installation for the purpose of recovering resources,

and activities connected therewith;

- Development drilling;

- Recovery, treatment and storage;

- Transportation to shore by pipeline and loading of ships;

- Maintenance, repair and other ancillary operations;

(e) "Pollution" is defined as in Article 2, paragraph (a), of the Convention;

(f) "Installation" means any fixed or floating structure, and any integral part thereof,

that is engaged in activities, including, in particular:

(i) Fixed or mobile offshore drilling units;

(ii) Fixed or floating production units including dynamically-positioned units;

(iii) Offshore storage facilities including ships used for this purpose;

(iv) Offshore loading terminals and transport systems for the extracted products,

such as submarine pipelines;

(v) Apparatus attached to it and equipment for the reloading, processing,

storage and disposal of substances removed from the seabed or its subsoil;

(g) "Operator" means:

(i) Any natural or juridical person who is authorized by the Party exercising

jurisdiction over the area where the activities are undertaken (hereinafter

referred to as the "Contracting Party") in accordance with this Protocol to

carry out activities and/or who carries out such activities; or

(ii) Any person who does not hold an authorization within the meaning of this

(h) "Safety zone" means a zone established around installations in conformity with the

provisions of general international law and technical requirements, with appropriate markings to

ensure the safety of both navigation and the installations;

(i) "Wastes" means substances and materials of any kind, form or description resulting

from activities covered by this Protocol which are disposed of or are intended for disposal or are

required to be disposed of;

(j) "Harmful or noxious substances and materials" means substances and materials of

any kind, form or description, which might cause pollution, if introduced into the Protocol Area;

(k) "Chemical Use Plan" means a plan drawn up by the operator of any offshore

installation which shows:

(i) The chemicals which the operator intends to use in the operations;

(ii) The purpose or purposes for which the operator intends to use the

chemicals;

(iii) The maximum concentrations of the chemicals which the operator intends

to use within any other substances, and maximum amounts intended to be

used in any specified period;

(iv) The area within which the chemical may escape into the marine

environment;

(l) "Oil" means petroleum in any form including crude oil, fuel oil, oily sludge, oil

refuse and refined products and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes the

substances listed in the Appendix to this Protocol;

(m) "Oily mixture" means a mixture with any oil content;

(n) "Sewage" means:

(i) Drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets, urinals and water-closet

scuppers;

(ii) Drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay, etc.) via wash

basins, wash tubs and scuppers located in such premises;

(iii) Other waste waters when mixed with the drainages defined above;

(o) "Garbage" means all kinds of food, domestic and operational waste generated

during the normal operation of the installation and liable to be disposed of continuously or

periodically, except those substances which are defined or listed elsewhere in this Protocol;

(p) "Freshwater limit" means the place in water courses where, at low tides and in a

period of low freshwater flow, there is an appreciable increase in salinity due to the presence of sea

water.

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

1. The area to which this Protocol applies (referred to in this Protocol as the "Protocol

Area") shall be:

(a) The Mediterranean Sea Area as defined in Article 1 of the Convention, including

the continental shelf and the seabed and its subsoil;

(b) Waters, including the seabed and its subsoil, on the landward side of the baselines

from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured and extending, in the case of watercourses,

up to the freshwater limit.

2. Any of the Contracting Parties to this Protocol (referred to in this Protocol as "the

Parties") may also include in the Protocol area wetlands or coastal areas of their territory.

3. Nothing in this Protocol, nor any act adopted on the basis of this Protocol, shall

prejudice the rights of any State concerning the delimitation of the continental shelf.

GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS

1. The Parties shall take, individually or through bilateral or multilateral cooperation,

all appropriate measures to prevent, abate, combat and control pollution in the Protocol Area

effective and economically appropriate, are used for this purpose.

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2. The Parties shall ensure that all necessary measures are taken so that activities do

not cause pollution.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. All activities in the Protocol Area, including erection on site of installations, shall

be subject to the prior written authorization for exploration or exploitation from the competent

authority. Such authority, before granting the authorization, shall be satisfied that the installation

has been constructed according to international standards and practice and that the operator has the

technical competence and the financial capacity to carry out the activities. Such authorization shall

be granted in accordance with the appropriate procedure, as defined by the competent authority.

2. Authorization shall be refused if there are indications that the proposed activities

are likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment that could not be avoided by

compliance with the conditions laid down in the authorization and referred to in Article 6, paragraph

3, of this Protocol.

3. When considering approval of the siting of an installation, the Contracting Party

shall ensure that no detrimental effects will be caused to existing facilities by such siting, in

particular, to pipelines and cables.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZATIONS

1. The Contracting Party shall prescribe that any application for authorization or for

the renewal of an authorization is subject to the submission of the project by the candidate operator

to the competent authority and that any such application must include, in particular, the following:

(a) A survey concerning the effects of the proposed activities on the environment; the

competent authority may, in the light of the nature, scope, duration and technical methods employed

in the activities and of the characteristics of the area, require that an environmental impact

assessment be prepared in accordance with Annex IV to this Protocol;

(b) The precise definition of the geographical areas where the activity is envisaged,

including safety zones;

(c) Particulars of the professional and technical qualifications of the candidate operator

and personnel on the installation, as well as of the composition of the crew;

(d) The safety measures as specified in Article 15;

(e) The operator's contingency plan as specified in Article 16;

(f) The monitoring procedures as specified in Article 19;

(g) The plans for removal of installations as specified in Article 20;

(h) Precautions for specially protected areas as specified in Article 21;

(i) The insurance or other financial security to cover liability as prescribed in Article

27, paragraph 2 (b).

2. The competent authority may decide, for scientific research and exploration

activities, to limit the scope of the requirements laid down in paragraph 1 of this Article, in the light

of the nature, scope, duration and technical methods employed in the activities and of the

characteristics of the area.

GRANTING OF AUTHORIZATIONS

1. The authorizations referred to in Article 4 shall be granted only after examination

by the competent authority of the requirements listed in Article 5 and Annex IV.

2. Each authorization shall specify the activities and the period of validity of the

authorization, establish the geographical limits of the area subject to the authorization and specify

the technical requirements and the authorized installations. The necessary safety zones shall be

established at a later appropriate stage.

3. The authorization may impose conditions regarding measures, techniques or

methods designed to reduce to the minimum risks of and damage due to pollution resulting from the

activities.

4. The Parties shall notify the Organization as soon as possible of authorizations

granted or renewed. The Organization shall keep a register of all the authorized installations in the

Protocol Area.

SANCTIONS

Each Party shall prescribe sanctions to be imposed for breach of obligations arising out of

this Protocol, or for non-observance of the national laws or regulations implementing this Protocol,

or for non-fulfilment of the specific conditions attached to the authorization.

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GENERAL OBLIGATION

Without prejudice to other standards or obligations referred to in this Section, the Parties

shall impose a general obligation upon operators to use the best available, environmentally effective

and economically appropriate techniques and to observe internationally accepted standards regarding

wastes, as well as the use, storage and discharge of harmful or noxious substances and materials,

with a view to minimizing the risk of pollution.

HARMFUL OR NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES AND MATERIALS

1. The use and storage of chemicals for the activities shall be approved by the

competent authority, on the basis of the Chemical Use Plan.

2. The Contracting Party may regulate, limit or prohibit the use of chemicals for the

activities in accordance with guidelines to be adopted by the Contracting Parties.

3. For the purpose of protecting the environment, the Parties shall ensure that each

substance and material used for activities is accompanied by a compound description provided by

the entity producing such substance or material.

4. The disposal into the Protocol Area of harmful or noxious substances and materials

resulting from the activities covered by this Protocol and listed in Annex I to this Protocol is

prohibited.

5. The disposal into the Protocol Area of harmful or noxious substances and materials

resulting from the activities covered by this Protocol and listed in Annex II to this Protocol requires,

in each case, a prior special permit from the competent authority.

6. The disposal into the Protocol Area of all other harmful or noxious substances and

materials resulting from the activities covered by this Protocol and which might cause pollution

requires a prior general permit from the competent authority.

7. The permits referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6 above shall be issued only after

careful consideration of all the factors set forth in Annex III to this Protocol.

OIL AND OILY MIXTURES AND DRILLING FLUIDS AND CUTTINGS

1. The Parties shall formulate and adopt common standards for the disposal of oil and

oily mixtures from installations into the Protocol Area:

(a) Such common standards shall be formulated in accordance with the provisions of

Annex V, A;

(b) Such common standards shall not be less restrictive than the following, in particular:

(i) For machinery space drainage, a maximum oil content of 15 mg per litre

whilst undiluted;

(ii) For production water, a maximum oil content of 40 mg per litre as an

average in any calendar month; the content shall not at any time exceed

100 mg per litre;

(c) The Parties shall determine by common agreement which method will be used to

analyze the oil content.

2. The Parties shall formulate and adopt common standards for the use and disposal

of drilling fluids and drill cuttings into the Protocol Area. Such common standards shall be

formulated in accordance with the provisions of Annex V, B.

3. Each Party shall take appropriate measures to enforce the common standards

adopted pursuant to this Article or to enforce more restrictive standards that it may have adopted.

SEWAGE

1. The Contracting Party shall prohibit the discharge of sewage from installations

permanently manned by 10 or more persons into the Protocol Area except in cases where:

(a) The installation is discharging sewage after treatment as approved by the competent

authority at a distance of at least four nautical miles from the nearest land or fixed fisheries

installation, leaving the Contracting Party to decide on a case by case basis; or

(b) The sewage is not treated, but the discharge is carried out in accordance with

international rules and standards; or

(c) The sewage has passed through an approved sewage treatment plant certified by the

competent authority.

2. The Contracting Party shall impose stricter provisions, as appropriate, where

area referred to in Article 21.

3. The exceptions referred to in paragraph 1 shall not apply if the discharge produces

visible floating solids or produces colouration, discolouration or opacity of the surrounding water.

4. If the sewage is mixed with wastes and harmful or noxious substances and materials

having different disposal requirements, the more stringent requirements shall apply.

GARBAGE

1. The Contracting Party shall prohibit the disposal into the Protocol Area of the

following products and materials:

(a) All plastics, including but not limited to synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets and

plastic garbage bags;

(b) All other non-biodegradable garbage, including paper products, rags, glass, metal,

bottles, crockery, dunnage, lining and packing materials.

2. Disposal into the Protocol Area of food wastes shall take place as far away as

possible from land, in accordance with international rules and standards.

3. If garbage is mixed with other discharges having different disposal or discharge

requirements, the more stringent requirements shall apply.

RECEPTION FACILITIES, INSTRUCTIONS AND SANCTIONS

The Parties shall ensure that:

(a) Operators dispose satisfactorily of all wastes and harmful or noxious substances and

materials in designated onshore reception facilities, except as otherwise authorized by the Protocol;

(b) Instructions are given to all personnel concerning proper means of disposal;

(c) Sanctions are imposed in respect of illegal disposals.

EXCEPTIONS

1. The provisions of this Section shall not apply in case of:

(a) Force majeure and in particular for disposals:

- to save human life,

- to ensure the safety of installations,

- in case of damage to the installation or its equipment,

on condition that all reasonable precautions have been taken after the damage is discovered or after

the disposal has been performed to reduce the negative effects.

(b) The discharge into the sea of substances containing oil or harmful or noxious

substances or materials which, subject to the prior approval of the competent authority, are being

used for the purpose of combating specific pollution incidents in order to minimize the damage due

to the pollution.

2. However, the provisions of this Section shall apply in any case where the operator

acted with the intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that damage will probably

result.

3. Disposals carried out in the circumstances referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article

shall be reported immediately to the Organization and, either through the Organization or directly,

to any Party or Parties likely to be affected, together with full details of the circumstances and of the

nature and quantities of wastes or harmful or noxious substances or materials discharged.

SAFETY MEASURES

1. The Contracting Party within whose jurisdiction activities are envisaged or are

being carried out shall ensure that safety measures are taken with regard to the design, construction,

placement, equipment, marking, operation and maintenance of installations.

2. The Contracting Party shall ensure that at all times the operator has on the

installations adequate equipment and devices, maintained in good working order, for protecting

human life, preventing and combating accidental pollution and facilitating prompt response to an

emergency, in accordance with the best available environmentally effective and economically

appropriate techniques and the provisions of the operator's contingency plan referred to in Article 16.

3. The competent authority shall require a certificate of safety and fitness for the

purpose (hereinafter referred to as "certificate") issued by a recognized body to be submitted in

respect of production platforms, mobile offshore drilling units, offshore storage facilities, offshore

loading systems and pipelines and in respect of such other installations as may be specified by the

Contracting Party.

4. The Parties shall ensure through inspection that the activities are conducted by the

operators in accordance with this Article.

CONTINGENCY PLANNING

provisions of the Protocol concerning Cooperation in Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea

by Oil and Other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency.

2. Each Party shall require operators in charge of installations under its jurisdiction to

have a contingency plan to combat accidental pollution, coordinated with the contingency plan of

the Contracting Party established in accordance with the Protocol concerning Cooperation in

Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Oil and Other Harmful Substances in Cases of

Emergency and approved in conformity with the procedures established by the competent authorities.

3. Each Contracting Party shall establish coordination for the development and

implementation of contingency plans. Such plans shall be established in accordance with guidelines

adopted by the competent international organization. They shall, in particular, be in accordance with

the provisions of Annex VII to this Protocol.

NOTIFICATION

Each Party shall require operators in charge of installations under its jurisdiction to report

without delay to the competent authority:

(a) Any event on their installation causing or likely to cause pollution in the Protocol

Area;

(b) Any observed event at sea causing or likely to cause pollution in the Protocol Area.

MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CASES OF EMERGENCY

In cases of emergency, a Party requiring assistance in order to prevent, abate or combat

pollution resulting from activities may request help from the other Parties, either directly or through

the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC),

which shall do their utmost to provide the assistance requested.

For this purpose, a Party which is also a Party to the Protocol concerning Cooperation in

Combating Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by Oil and Other Harmful Substances in Cases of

Emergency shall apply the pertinent provisions of the said Protocol.

MONITORING

1. The operator shall be required to measure, or to have measured by a qualified entity,

expert in the matter, the effects of the activities on the environment in the light of the nature, scope,

duration and technical methods employed in the activities and of the characteristics of the area and

to report on them periodically or upon request by the competent authority for the purpose of an

evaluation by such competent authority according to a procedure established by the competent

authority in its authorization system.

2. The competent authority shall establish, where appropriate, a national monitoring

system in order to be in a position to monitor regularly the installations and the impact of the

activities on the environment, so as to ensure that the conditions attached to the grant of the

authorization are being fulfilled.

REMOVAL OF INSTALLATIONS

1. The operator shall be required by the competent authority to remove any installation

which is abandoned or disused, in order to ensure safety of navigation, taking into account the

guidelines and standards adopted by the competent international organization. Such removal shall

also have due regard to other legitimate uses of the sea, in particular fishing, the protection of the

marine environment and the rights and duties of other Contracting Parties. Prior to such removal,

the operator under its responsibility shall take all necessary measures to prevent spillage or leakage

from the site of the activities.

2. The competent authority shall require the operator to remove abandoned or disused

pipelines in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article or to clean them inside and abandon them

or to clean them inside and bury them so that they neither cause pollution, endanger navigation,

hinder fishing, threaten the marine environment, nor interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea

or with the rights and duties of other Contracting Parties. The competent authority shall ensure that

appropriate publicity is given to the depth, position and dimensions of any buried pipeline and that

such information is indicated on charts and notified to the Organization and other competent

international organizations and the Parties.

3. The provisions of this Article apply also to installations disused or abandoned by

any operator whose authorization may have been withdrawn or suspended in compliance with

Article 7.

4. The competent authority may indicate eventual modifications to be made to the

level of activities and to the measures for the protection of the marine environment which had

initially been provided for.

5. The competent authority may regulate the cession or transfer of authorized activities

to other persons.

6. Where the operator fails to comply with the provisions of this Article, the competent

authority shall undertake, at the operator's expense, such action or actions as may be necessary to

remedy the operator's failure to act.

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS

For the protection of the areas defined in the Protocol concerning Mediterranean Specially

Protected Areas and any other area established by a Party and in furtherance of the goals stated

therein, the Parties shall take special measures in conformity with international law, either

individually or through multilateral or bilateral cooperation, to prevent, abate, combat and control

pollution arising from activities in these areas.

In addition to the measures referred to in the Protocol concerning Mediterranean Specially

(a) Special restrictions or conditions when granting authorizations for such areas:

(i) The preparation and evaluation of environmental impact assessments;

(ii) The elaboration of special provisions in such areas concerning monitoring,

removal of installations and prohibition of any discharge.

(b) Intensified exchange of information among operators, the competent authorities,

Parties and the Organization regarding matters which may affect such areas.

STUDIES AND RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

In conformity with Article 13 of the Convention, the Parties shall, where appropriate,

cooperate in promoting studies and undertaking programmes of scientific and technological research

for the purpose of developing new methods of:

(a) Carrying out activities in a way that minimizes the risk of pollution;

(b) Preventing, abating, combating and controlling pollution, especially in cases of

emergency.

INTERNATIONAL RULES, STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED

PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

1. The Parties shall cooperate, either directly or through the Organization or other

competent international organizations, in order to:

(a) Establish appropriate scientific criteria for the formulation and elaboration of

international rules, standards and recommended practices and procedures for achieving the aims of

this Protocol;

(b) Formulate and elaborate such international rules, standards and recommended

practices and procedures;

(c) Formulate and adopt guidelines in accordance with international practices and

procedures to ensure observance of the provisions of Annex VI.

2. The Parties shall, as soon as possible, endeavour to harmonize their laws and

regulations with the international rules, standards and recommended practices and procedures

referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

3. The Parties shall endeavour, as far as possible, to exchange information relevant to

their domestic policies, laws and regulations and the harmonization referred to in paragraph 2 of this

Article.

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

1. The Parties shall, directly or with the assistance of competent regional or other

international organizations, cooperate with a view to formulating and, as far as possible,

implementing programmes of assistance to developing countries, particularly in the fields of science,

law, education and technology, in order to prevent, abate, combat and control pollution due to

activities in the Protocol Area.

2. Technical assistance shall include, in particular, the training of scientific, legal and

technical personnel, as well as the acquisition, utilization and production by those countries of

appropriate equipment on advantageous terms to be agreed upon among the Parties concerned.

MUTUAL INFORMATION

The Parties shall inform one another directly or through the Organization of measures taken,

of results achieved and, if the case arises, of difficulties encountered in the application of this

Protocol. Procedures for the collection and submission of such information shall be determined at

the meetings of the Parties.

TRANSBOUNDARY POLLUTION

1. Each Party shall take all measures necessary to ensure that activities under its

jurisdiction are so conducted as not to cause pollution beyond the limits of its jurisdiction.

2. A Party within whose jurisdiction activities are being envisaged or carried out shall

take into account any adverse environmental effects, without discrimination as to whether such

effects are likely to occur within the limits of its jurisdiction or beyond such limits.

3. If a Party becomes aware of cases in which the marine environment is in imminent

danger of being damaged, or has been damaged, by pollution, it shall immediately notify other

Parties which in its opinion are likely to be affected by such damage, as well as the Regional Marine

Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC), and provide them

with timely information that would enable them, where necessary, to take appropriate measures.

REMPEC shall distribute the information immediately to all relevant Parties.

4. The Parties shall endeavour, in accordance with their legal systems and, where

appropriate, on the basis of an agreement, to grant equal access to and treatment in administrative

proceedings to persons in other States who may be affected by pollution or other adverse effects

resulting from proposed or existing operations.

5. Where pollution originates in the territory of a State which is not a Contracting

Party to this Protocol, any Contracting Party affected shall endeavour to cooperate with the said State

so as to make possible the application of the Protocol.

LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION

1. The Parties undertake to cooperate as soon as possible in formulating and adopting

appropriate rules and procedures for the determination of liability and compensation for damage

resulting from the activities dealt with in this Protocol, in conformity with Article 16 of the

Convention.

2. Pending development of such procedures, each Party:

(a) Shall take all measures necessary to ensure that liability for damage caused by

activities is imposed on operators, and they shall be required to pay prompt and adequate

compensation;

(b) Shall take all measures necessary to ensure that operators shall have and maintain

insurance cover or other financial security of such type and under such terms as the Contracting

Party shall specify in order to ensure compensation for damages caused by the activities covered by

this Protocol.

APPOINTMENT OF COMPETENT AUTHORITIES

Each Contracting Party shall appoint one or more competent authorities to:

(a) Grant, renew and register the authorizations provided for in Section II of this

Protocol;

(b) Issue and register the special and general permits referred to in Article 9 of this

Protocol;

(c) Issue the permits referred to in Annex V to this Protocol;

(d) Approve the treatment system and certify the sewage treatment plant referred to in

Article 11, paragraph 1, of this Protocol;

(e) Give the prior approval for exceptional discharges referred to in Article 14,

paragraph 1 (b), of this Protocol;

(f) Carry out the duties regarding safety measures referred to in Article 15, paragraphs

3 and 4, of this Protocol;

(g) Perform the functions relating to contingency planning described in Article 16 and

Annex VII to this Protocol;

(h) Establish monitoring procedures as provided in Article 19 of this Protocol;

(i) Supervise the removal operations of the installations as provided in Article 20 of

this Protocol.

TRANSITIONAL MEASURES

Each Party shall elaborate procedures and regulations regarding activities, whether

authorized or not, initiated before the entry into force of this Protocol, to ensure their conformity, as

far as practicable, with the provisions of this Protocol.

MEETINGS

1. Ordinary meetings of the Parties shall take place in conjunction with ordinary

meetings of the Contracting Parties to the Convention held pursuant to Article 18 of the Convention.

The Parties may also hold extraordinary meetings in accordance with Article 18 of the Convention.

(a) To keep under review the implementation of this Protocol and to consider the

efficacy of the measures adopted and the advisability of any other measures, in particular in the form

of annexes and appendices;

(b) To revise and amend any annex or appendix to this Protocol;

(c) To consider the information concerning authorizations granted or renewed in

accordance with Section II of this Protocol;

(d) To consider the information concerning the permits issued and approvals given in

accordance with Section III of this Protocol;

(e) To adopt the guidelines referred to in Article 9, paragraph 2, and Article 23,

paragraph 1 (c), of this Protocol;

(f) To consider the records of the contingency plans and means of intervention in

emergencies adopted in accordance with Article 16 of this Protocol;

(g) To establish criteria and formulate international rules, standards and recommended

practices and procedures in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 1, of this Protocol, in whatever

form the Parties may agree;

(h) To facilitate the implementation of the policies and the achievement of the

objectives referred to in Section V, in particular the harmonization of national nd European

Community legislation in accordance with Article 23, paragraph 2, of this Protocol;

(i) To review progress made in the implementation of Article 27 of this Protocol;

(j) To discharge such other functions as may be appropriate for the application of this

Protocol.

RELATIONS WITH THE CONVENTION

1. The provisions of the Convention relating to any Protocol shall apply with respect

to this Protocol.

2. The rules of procedure and the financial rules adopted pursuant to Article 24 of the

Convention shall apply with respect to this Protocol, unless the Parties to this Protocol agree

otherwise.

FINAL CLAUSE

1. This Protocol shall be open for signature at Madrid from 14 October 1994 to 14

October 1995, by any State Party to the Convention invited to the Conference of Plenipotentiaries

of the Coastal States of the Mediterranean Region on the Protocol for the Protection of the

Mediterranean Sea against Pollution resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of the Seabed and

its Subsoil, held at Madrid on 13 and 14 October 1994. It shall also be open until the same dates for

signature by the European Community and by any similar regional economic grouping of which at

least one member is a coastal State of the Protocol Area and which exercises competence in fields

covered by this Protocol in conformity with Article 30 of the Convention.

2. This Protocol shall be subject to ratification, acceptance or approval. Instruments

of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Government of Spain, which will

assume the functions of Depositary.

3. As from 15 October 1995, this Protocol shall be open for accession by the States

referred to in paragraph 1 above, by the European Community and by any grouping referred to in

that paragraph.

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4. This Protocol shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following the date of deposit

of at least six instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to, the Protocol by

the Parties referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized, have signed this Protocol.

A. The following substances and materials and compounds thereof are listed for the purposes

of Article 9, paragraph 4, of the Protocol. They have been selected mainly on the basis of

their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation:

1. Mercury and mercury compounds

2. Cadmium and cadmium compounds

3. Organotin compounds and substances which may form such compounds in the

4. Organophosphorus compounds and substances which may form such compounds

5. Organohalogen compounds and substances which may form such compounds in the

6. Crude oil, fuel oil, oily sludge, used lubricating oils and refined products

7. Persistent synthetic materials which may float, sink or remain in suspension and

which may interfere with any legitimate use of the sea

8. Substances having proven carcinogenic, teratogenic or mutagenic properties in or

through the marine environment

9. Radioactive substances, including their wastes, if their discharges do not comply

with the principles of radiation protection as defined by the competent international

organizations, taking into account the protection of the marine environment

B. The present Annex does not apply to discharges which contain substances listed in section

A that are below the limits defined jointly by the Parties and, in relation to oil, below the

limits defined in Article 10 of this Protocol.

biologically harmless substances.

A. The following substances and materials and compounds thereof have been selected for the

purpose of Article 9, paragraph 5, of the Protocol.

1. Arsenic

2. Lead

3. Copper

4. Zinc

5. Beryllium

6. Nickel

7. Vanadium

8 Chromium

9. Biocides and their derivatives not covered in Annex I

10. Selenium

11. Antimony

12. Molybdenum

13. Titanium

14. Tin

15. Barium (other than barium sulphate)

16. Boron

17. Uranium

18. Cobalt

19. Thallium

20. Tellurium

21. Silver

22. Cyanides

B. The control and strict limitation of the discharge of substances referred to in section A must

be implemented in accordance with Annex III.

135

For the purpose of the issue of a permit required under Article 9, paragraph 7, particular

account will be taken, as the case may be, of the following factors:

1. Type and size of waste source (e.g. industrial process);

2. Type of waste (origin, average composition);

3. Form of waste (solid, liquid, sludge, slurry, gaseous);

4. Total amount (volume discharged, e.g. per year);

5. Discharge pattern (continuous, intermittent, seasonally variable, etc.);

6. Concentrations with respect to major constituents, substances listed in Annex I,

substances listed in Annex II, and other substances as appropriate;

7. Physical, chemical and biochemical properties of the waste.

1. Persistence (physical, chemical, biological) in the marine environment;

2. Toxicity and other harmful effects;

3. Accumulation in biological materials or sediments;

4. Biochemical transformation producing harmful compounds;

5. Adverse effects on the oxygen content and balance;

6. Susceptibility to physical, chemical and biochemical changes and interaction in the

aquatic environment with other sea-water constituents which may produce harmful

biological or other effects on any of the uses listed in Section E below.

1. Hydrographic, meteorological, geological and topographical characteristics of the

area;

2. Location and type of the discharge (outfall, canal, outlet, etc.) and its relation to

other areas (such as amenity areas, spawning, nursery and fishing areas, shellfish

grounds) and other discharges;

3. Initial dilution achieved at the point of discharge into the receiving marine

environment;

4. Dispersion characteristics such as effects of currents, tides and wind on horizontal

transport and vertical mixing;

5. Receiving water characteristics with respect to physical, chemical, biological and

ecological conditions in the discharge area;

6. Capacity of the receiving marine environment to receive waste discharges without

undesirable effects.

The methods of waste reduction and discharge for industrial effluents as well as domestic

sewage should be selected taking into account the availability and feasibility of:

(a) Alternative treatment processes;

(b) Reuse or elimination methods;

(c) On-land disposal alternatives;

(d) Appropriate low-waste technologies.

1. Effects on human life through pollution impact on:

(a) Edible marine organisms;

(b) Bathing waters;

(c) Aesthetics.

2. Effects on marine ecosystems, in particular living resources, endangered species and

critical habitats.

3. Effects on other legitimate uses of the sea in conformity with international law.

1. Each Party shall require that the environmental impact assessment contains at least the

following:

(a) A description of the geographical boundaries of the area within which the activities

are to be carried out, including safety zones where applicable;

(b) A description of the initial state of the environment of the area;

(c) An indication of the nature, aims, scope and duration of the proposed activities;

(d) A description of the methods, installations and other means to be used, possible

alternatives to such methods and means;

(e) A description of the foreseeable direct or indirect short and long-term effects of the

proposed activities on the environment, including fauna, flora and the ecological

balance;

(f) A statement setting out the measures proposed for reducing to the minimum the risk

of damage to the environment as a result of carrying out the proposed activities,

including possible alternatives to such measures;

(g) An indication of the measures to be taken for the protection of the environment

from pollution and other adverse effects during and after the proposed activities;

(h) A reference to the methodology used for the environmental impact assessment;

(i) An indication of whether the environment of any other State is likely to be affected

by the proposed activities.

2. Each Party shall promulgate standards taking into account the international rules, standards

and recommended practices and procedures, adopted in accordance with Article 23 of the

Protocol, by which environmental impact assessments are to be evaluated.

The following provisions shall be prescribed by the Parties in accordance with Article 10:

1. Spills of high oil content in processing drainage and platform drainage shall be

contained, diverted and then treated as part of the product, but the remainder shall

be treated to an acceptable level before discharge, in accordance with good oilfield

practice;

2. Oily waste and sludges from separation processes shall be transported to shore;

3. All the necessary precautions shall be taken to minimize losses of oil into the sea

from oil collected or flared from well testing;

4. All the necessary precautions shall be taken to ensure that any gas resulting from

oil activities should be flared or used in an appropriate manner.

1. Water-based drilling fluids and drill cuttings shall be subject to the following

requirements:

(a) The use and disposal of such drilling fluids shall be subject to the Chemical

Use Plan and the provisions of Article 9 of this Protocol;

(b) The disposal of the drill cuttings shall either be made on land or into the sea

in an appropriate site or area as specified by the competent authority.

2. Oil-based drilling fluids and drill cuttings are subject to the following requirements:

(a) Such fluids shall only be used if they are of a sufficiently low toxicity and

only after the operator has been issued a permit by the competent authority

when it has verified such low toxicity;

(b) The disposal into the sea of such drilling fluids is prohibited;

(c) The disposal of the drill cuttings into the sea is only permitted on condition

that efficient solids control equipment is installed and properly operated,

that the discharge point is well below the surface of the water, and that the

oil content is less than 100 grams of oil per kilogram dry cuttings;

(d) The disposal of such drill cuttings in specially protected areas is prohibited;

(e) In case of production and development drilling, a programme of seabed

sampling and analysis relating to the zone of contamination must be

undertaken.

3. Diesel-based drilling fluids:

The use of diesel-based drilling fluids is prohibited. Diesel oil may exceptionally be added

to drilling fluids in such circumstances as the Parties may specify.

The following provisions shall be prescribed by the Parties in accordance with Article 15:

(a) That the installation must be safe and fit for the purpose for which it is to be used,

in particular, that it must be designed and constructed so as to withstand, together

with its maximum load, any natural condition, including, more specifically,

maximum wind and wave conditions as established by historical weather patterns,

earthquake possibilities, seabed conditions and stability, and water depth;

(b) That all phases of the activities, including storage and transport of recovered

resources, must be properly prepared, that the whole activity must be open to

control for safety reasons and must be conducted in the safest possible way, and that

the operator must apply a monitoring system for all activities;

(c) That the most advanced safety systems must be used and periodically tested in order

to minimize the dangers of leakages, spillages, accidental discharges, fire,

explosions, blow-outs or any other threat to human safety or the environment, that

a trained specialized crew to operate and maintain these systems must be present

and that this crew must undertake periodic exercises. In the case of authorized not

permanently manned installations, the permanent availability of a specialized crew

shall be ensured;

(d) That the installation and, where necessary, the established safety zone, must be

marked in accordance with international recommendations so as to give adequate

warning of its presence and sufficient details for its identification;

(e) That in accordance with international maritime practice, the installations must be

indicated on charts and notified to those concerned;

(f) That, in order to secure observance of the foregoing provisions, the person and/or

persons having the responsibility for the installation and/or the activities, including

the person responsible for the blow-out preventer, must have the qualifications

required by the competent authority, and that sufficient qualified staff must be

permanently available. Such qualifications shall include, in particular, training, on

a continuing basis, in safety and environmental matters.

1. Operators are obliged to ensure:

(a) That the most appropriate alarm system and communication system are

available at the installation and they are in good working order;

(b) That the alarm is immediately raised on the occurrence of an emergency

and that any emergency is immediately communicated to the competent

authority;

(c) That, in coordination with the competent authority, transmission of the

alarm and appropriate assistance and coordination of assistance can be

organized and supervised without delay;

(d) That immediate information about the nature and extent of the emergency

is given to the crew on the installation and to the competent authority;

(e) That the competent authority is constantly informed about the progress of

combating the emergency;

(f) That at all times sufficient and most appropriate materials and equipment,

including stand-by boats and aircraft, are available to put into effect the

emergency plan;

(g) That the most appropriate methods and techniques are known to the

specialized crew referred to in Annex VI, paragraph (c), in order to combat

leakages, spillages, accidental discharges, fire, explosions, blow-outs and

any other threat to human life or the environment;

(h) That the most appropriate methods and techniques are known to the

specialized crew responsible for reducing and preventing long-term adverse

effects on the environment;

(i) That the crew is thoroughly familiar with the operator's contingency plan,

that periodic emergency exercises are held so that the crew has a thorough

working knowledge of the equipment and procedures and that each

individual knows exactly his role within the plan.

2. The operator shall cooperate, on an institutional basis, with other operators or

entities capable of rendering necessary assistance, so as to ensure that, in cases

where the magnitude or nature of an emergency creates a risk for which assistance

is or might be required, such assistance can be rendered.

The competent authority for emergencies of a Contracting Party shall ensure:

(a) The coordination of the national contingency plan and/or procedures and the

operator's contingency plan and control of the conduct of actions, especially in case

of significant adverse effects of the emergency;

(b) Direction to the operator to take any action it may specify in the course of

preventing, abating or combating pollution or in the preparation of further action

for that purpose, including placing an order for a relief drilling rig, or to prevent the

operator from taking any specified action;

(c) The coordination of actions in the course of preventing, abating or combating

pollution or in preparation for further action for that purpose within the national

jurisdiction with such actions undertaken within the jurisdiction of other States or

by international organizations;

(d) Collection and ready availability of all necessary information concerning the

existing activities;

(e) The provision of an up-to-date list of the persons and entities to be alerted and

informed about an emergency, its development and the measures taken;

(f) The collection of all necessary information concerning the extent and means of

combating contingencies, and the dissemination of this information to interested

Parties;

(g) The coordination and supervision of the assistance referred to in Part A above, in

cooperation with the operator;

(h) The organization and if necessary, the coordination of specified actions, including

intervention by technical experts and trained personnel with the necessary

equipment and materials;

(i) Immediate communication to the competent authorities of other Parties which might

be affected by a contingency to enable them to take appropriate measures where

necessary;

(j) The provision of technical assistance to other Parties, if necessary;

(k) Immediate communication to the competent international organizations with a view

to avoiding danger to shipping and other interests.

Blending Stocks

Roofers Flux

Straight Run Residue

Clarified

Crude Oil

Mixtures containing crude oil

Diesel Oil

Fuel Oil No. 4

Fuel Oil No. 5

Fuel Oil No. 6

Residual Fuel Oil

Road Oil

Transformer Oil

Aromatic Oil (excluding vegetable oil)

Lubricating Oils and Blending Stocks

Mineral Oil

Motor Oil

Penetrating Oil

Spindle Oil

Turbine Oil

Straight Run

Flashed Feed Stocks

Cracked

* The list of oils should not necessarily be considered as exhaustive.

144

JP-1 (Kerosene)

JP-3

JP-4

JP-5 (Kerosene, Heavy)

Turbo Fuel

Kerosene

Mineral Spirit

Solvent

Petroleum

Heartcut Distillate Oil

Alkylates - fuel

Reformates

Polymer - fuel

Casinghead (natural)

Automotive

Aviation

Straight Run

Fuel Oil No. 1 (Kerosene)

Fuel Oil No. 1-D

Fuel Oil No. 2

Fuel Oil No. 2-D