Magic pipe

For the animated film, see The Magic Pipe.

A magic pipe is a surreptitious change to a ship's oily water separator, or other waste-handing equipment, which allows waste liquids to be discharged in contravention of maritime pollution regulations.[1]

The pipe may be improvised, aboard ship, from available hoses and pumps, to discharge large volumes of waste directly into the sea. As ships are often required to keep records of waste and its treatment, magic pipe cases often involve falsification of these records too.[2][3]

In the United States, magic pipe cases often attract large fines for shipping lines, and prison sentences for crew; this reflects the severe impact of pollution and the fact that magic pipe cases often involve coordinated deception.[1] Cases are often brought to light by whistle blowers.[4] In December 2010, the United States Coast Guard announced that it was considering more severe penalties for magic pipe offenders.[5]

The problem is worsened by a lack of facilities in developing countries; some ports lack facilities for oily water to be discharged safely.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Beware of the 'Magic Pipe'". 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
  2. ↑ "Magic pipe incident draws huge fine". All Business. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
  3. ↑ "“Magic pipe” cases continue in US – so do severe fines and banning of vessels - BIMCO". 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2010-12-13.
  4. ↑ "Lloyd's List - Regulation - Lemissoler magic pipe case collapses". 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2010-12-13.(subscription required)
  5. ↑ "www.fairplay.co.uk - Tougher US ‘magic pipe’ rules weighed". 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2010-12-13.(subscription required)
  6. ↑ "A corrupt corporate culture". The Motorship. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2013.