The MEPC at its 44th session (March 2000), adopted, by resolution MEPC.83(44), Guidelines for ensuring the adquacy of port waste reception facilities.

The intention of these Guidelines is to provide guidance on the determination of adequacy of reception facilities for ship-generated waste as part of the implementation of MARPOL 73/78. Widespread use of the Guidelines will assist States to overcome the problem of determining the need for reception facilities.