The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations - and currently includes six technical Annexes. Special Areas with strict controls on operational discharges are included in most Annexes.

Annex I Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil (entered into force 2 October 1983)

Annex II Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (entered into force 2 October 1983)
Annex III Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form (entered into force 1 July 1992)
Annex IV Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships (entered into force 27 September 2003)
Annex V Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships (entered into force 31 December 1988)
Annex VI Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (entered into force 19 May 2005)

AMENDMENTS INCLUDED MEPC.258(67)