This guide was withdrawn from circulation in 2023. For up-to-date guidance on environmental safety on board, see ICS Publications.

The clean seas programme was introduced by the shipping industry to restrict the operational discharge of oil in to the sea by the retention of oil residues on board. The Guide, which describes the procedures used to retain oil residues on board, is intended to help shipboard personnel comply with the oil discharge limitations that are contained in Annex 1 of MARPOL.

The 1973 MARPOL convention, as amended by its 1978 Protocol, is the international instrument controlling pollution from ships. Annex 1 of the convention, which contains regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil, came into effect in October 1983. Effective retention of oil onboard (ROB) requires a thorough understanding of the procedure and the techniques required. OCIMF/ICS strongly recommend this guide.