The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide guidance to
Contracting Parties to the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978
relating thereto (MARPOL), in the formulation and submission of applications
for the designation of Special Areas under Annexes I, II, IV and V to
the Convention. These Guidelines also ensure that all interests –
those of the coastal State, flag State, and the environmental and
shipping communities – are thoroughly considered on the basis
of relevant scientific, technical, economic and environmental information
and provide for the assessment of such applications by IMO. Contracting
Parties should also review and comply with the applicable provisions
of Annexes I, II, IV and V to
the Convention, in addition to these Guidelines.