{"id":990262,"date":"2026-08-13T02:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T02:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/garbage-record-book-yachts\/"},"modified":"2026-08-13T02:30:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T02:30:49","slug":"garbage-record-book-yachts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/garbage-record-book-yachts\/","title":{"rendered":"Garbage Record Books for Yachts: 2026 Compliance Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"vgblk-rw-wrapper limit-wrapper\">\n<p>If your yacht is 100 gross tons (GT) or above and operates on international voyages, you are required to maintain a Garbage Record Book (GRB) under MARPOL Annex V. That threshold dropped from 400 GT to 100 GT effective May 1, 2024, pulling a significant number of yachts and small ships into mandatory recordkeeping for the first time. The U.S. Coast Guard formalized this change through MSIB 03-24, and Port State Control officers in U.S. ports are now checking for it.<\/p>\n<p>The core obligations break down like this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Who must carry a GRB:<\/strong> Ships of 100 GT and above on international voyages; ships certified to carry 15 or more persons regardless of size; fixed and floating platforms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What to log:<\/strong> Every garbage discharge, incineration, or accidental loss. Each entry needs date, time, vessel position (latitude\/longitude), waste category (A through K), estimated volume in cubic meters, and the signature of the officer in charge.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parts I and II:<\/strong> Part I covers categories A through I (plastics, food waste, domestic waste, cooking oil, incinerator ash, operational waste, animal carcasses, fishing gear, e-waste). Part II covers categories J and K (cargo residues) and applies only to ships carrying solid bulk cargo.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retention:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imo.org\/en\/ourwork\/environment\/pages\/garbage-default.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Completed GRBs must be kept for at least two years<\/a> after the date of the last entry.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Immediate next steps:<\/strong> Pull your Certificate of Registry and confirm your GT. If you are at or above 100 GT, you need a compliant GRB aboard now. If your paperwork is ambiguous, contact your flag administration or Vesselflag for a fast document check.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<p>Vessels of 100 GT and above on international voyages must maintain a Garbage Record Book under MARPOL Annex V, with completed books retained for at least two years after the final entry.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Point<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>100 GT threshold (May 2024)<\/td>\n<td>Any yacht at or above 100 GT on international voyages must carry a compliant GRB \u2014 confirm GT on your ITC 69 certificate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Required entry fields<\/td>\n<td>Every event needs date, time, position (lat\/lon), waste category (A\u2013K), volume in cubic meters, and officer signature.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Two-year retention<\/td>\n<td>Completed GRBs must remain aboard for at least two years after the last entry \u2014 store them in a dry, accessible location with a digital backup.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Part I vs. Part II<\/td>\n<td>Most yachts need only Part I (categories A\u2013I); Part II (J\u2013K) applies only to solid bulk cargo carriers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Vesselflag compliance support<\/td>\n<td>Vesselflag verifies GT, sources the correct GRB form for your flag, and conducts pre-port document audits to close compliance gaps before inspection.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"table-of-contents\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-a-garbage-record-book-under-marpol-annex-v\">What is a Garbage Record Book under MARPOL Annex V?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#which-vessels-must-carry-a-garbage-record-book\">Which vessels must carry a Garbage Record Book?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-the-difference-between-grb-part-i-and-part-ii\">What is the difference between GRB Part I and Part II?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-make-correct-garbage-record-book-entries\">How to make correct Garbage Record Book entries<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#retention-port-state-control-inspections-and-us-enforcement\">Retention, Port State Control inspections, and U.S. enforcement<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#where-to-obtain-an-official-garbage-record-book\">Where to obtain an official Garbage Record Book<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pre-voyage-grb-compliance-checklist\">Pre-voyage GRB compliance checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-vesselflag-supports-grb-compliance\">How Vesselflag supports GRB compliance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#why-accurate-grb-records-matter-more-than-operators-think\">Why accurate GRB records matter more than operators think<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#get-your-grb-documentation-right-with-vesselflag\">Get your GRB documentation right with Vesselflag<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sources\">Sources<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-a-garbage-record-book-under-marpol-annex-v\">What is a Garbage Record Book under MARPOL Annex V?<\/h2>\n<p>The Garbage Record Book is the official onboard log that documents every garbage management event: discharges to sea, discharges to reception facilities ashore, incineration, and accidental loss. Its legal foundation is MARPOL Annex V, the international convention that governs pollution by garbage from ships, administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).<\/p>\n<p>Annex V requires that every applicable vessel maintain a GRB in the form prescribed by Appendix 2 of the Annex. That standard form is the benchmark every national administration uses when printing its own version, and it is the template Port State Control officers expect to see. The formal legal text governing the current version of Annex V, including the 2022 amendments that took effect in May 2024, is captured in MEPC.360(79).<\/p>\n<p>The GRB\u2019s purpose is evidentiary, not punitive. A properly maintained log gives inspectors a clear, auditable record of how garbage was handled throughout a voyage. It also protects the vessel: a signed, complete log is the best defense against a misattributed pollution claim.<\/p>\n<p>In the United States, MARPOL obligations are enforced through the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS). The USCG acts as the primary enforcement authority, conducting Port State Control inspections and issuing Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) when Annex V rules change.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"which-vessels-must-carry-a-garbage-record-book\">Which vessels must carry a Garbage Record Book?<\/h2>\n<p>The May 2024 amendment is the change that matters most for yacht operators right now. Before it, the GRB requirement applied to ships of 400 GT and above on international voyages. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsa.gov.au\/marine-environment\/marine-pollution\/garbage-record-book\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">As of May 1, 2024, that threshold dropped to 100 GT<\/a>, bringing a large segment of the yacht fleet into scope for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>The full list of vessels required to maintain a GRB:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ships of <strong>100 GT and above<\/strong> engaged on voyages to ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of another MARPOL Party.<\/li>\n<li>Ships <strong>certified to carry 15 or more persons<\/strong> on international voyages, regardless of gross tonnage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fixed and floating platforms<\/strong>, including drilling rigs and production platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For yacht operators, the passenger-certification trigger is worth watching. A charter yacht under 100 GT that is certified for 15 or more guests on an international route is still required to keep a GRB. Check both the tonnage certificate and the safety certificate.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-confirm-your-vessels-gross-tonnage\">How to confirm your vessel\u2019s gross tonnage<\/h3>\n<p>Gross tonnage for GRB purposes comes from the International Tonnage Certificate (ITC 69), issued under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. This is not the same as displacement or net tonnage. If your vessel was measured under a different national standard, the GT on that certificate may differ from the ITC 69 figure. When in doubt, the flag administration\u2019s measurement is the one that counts for compliance purposes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786340403049_Hands-holding-yacht-s-International-Tonnage-Certificate-folder.jpeg\" alt=\"Hands holding yacht&apos;s International Tonnage Certificate folder\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <em>Pull your Certificate of Registry and your International Tonnage Certificate side by side. If the GT shown is close to 100 and you are unsure which figure applies, contact your flag administration in writing and get a written confirmation. Ambiguity at a Port State Control inspection will not work in your favor. Vesselflag can assist with flag-administration queries as part of a registration or compliance review.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The USCG\u2019s MSIB 03-24 explicitly recommends that owners proactively audit their vessel\u2019s GT and passenger certification after the amendment. Do not wait for an inspection to discover you are out of compliance. Charter operators should also review <a href=\"https:\/\/etcharters.com\/yacht-charter-tax-regulations-explained-for-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yacht charter tax and documentation requirements<\/a> alongside GRB applicability, since passenger counts affect both.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-grb-part-i-and-part-ii\">What is the difference between GRB Part I and Part II?<\/h2>\n<p>Most yachts only need Part I. Part II applies exclusively to ships carrying solid bulk cargo, and the distinction matters because carrying the wrong form, or missing Part II when required, can lead to a deficiency finding at inspection.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"part-i-categories-a-through-i\">Part I categories (A through I)<\/h3>\n<p>Part I covers the garbage types generated by virtually every vessel:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A:<\/strong> Plastics<\/li>\n<li><strong>B:<\/strong> Food wastes<\/li>\n<li><strong>C:<\/strong> Domestic wastes (paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery)<\/li>\n<li><strong>D:<\/strong> Cooking oil<\/li>\n<li><strong>E:<\/strong> Incinerator ashes<\/li>\n<li><strong>F:<\/strong> Operational wastes (dunnage, lining, packing materials)<\/li>\n<li><strong>G:<\/strong> Animal carcasses<\/li>\n<li><strong>H:<\/strong> Fishing gear<\/li>\n<li><strong>I:<\/strong> Electronic waste (e-waste)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"part-ii-categories-j-and-k\">Part II categories (J and K)<\/h3>\n<p>Part II applies to ships that carry solid bulk cargoes and must log cargo residues:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>J:<\/strong> Cargo residues that are not harmful to the marine environment (non-HME)<\/li>\n<li><strong>K:<\/strong> Cargo residues that are harmful to the marine environment (HME)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>National administrations, including AMSA, publish GRB forms that clearly separate Part I and Part II sections, sometimes binding them in a single booklet, sometimes as two separate documents. Confirm with your flag administration which format is required for your vessel type. A yacht that does not carry solid bulk cargo has no obligation to complete Part II entries, but the form should still be present if the flag administration\u2019s standard booklet includes it.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-make-correct-garbage-record-book-entries\">How to make correct Garbage Record Book entries<\/h2>\n<p>Every entry in the GRB must be made at the time of the event, not reconstructed later. Inspectors are trained to spot inconsistencies between GRB entries and other logs (engine room log, deck log, port arrival\/departure records). A GRB that shows a reception facility discharge on a day the vessel was at sea is an immediate red flag.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"required-fields-by-event-type\">Required fields by event type<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Event Type<\/th>\n<th>Required Fields<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Discharge to reception facility<\/td>\n<td>Date, time, port\/facility name, category (A\u2013K), estimated volume (m\u00b3), officer signature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Permitted discharge to sea<\/td>\n<td>Date, time, position (lat\/lon), category, estimated volume (m\u00b3), officer signature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Incineration<\/td>\n<td>Date, start time, stop time, position (lat\/lon), category, estimated volume (m\u00b3), officer signature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Accidental loss overboard<\/td>\n<td>Date, time, position (lat\/lon), category, estimated volume (m\u00b3), circumstances, officer signature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786340893180_Diagram-of-GRB-event-types-and-required-fields.jpeg\" alt=\"Diagram of GRB event types and required fields\"><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sample-entry-templates\">Sample entry templates<\/h3>\n<p><strong>At-sea discharge of food waste (Category B):<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Date: June 14, 2026 | Time: 1430 | Position: 32\u00b014\u2019N, 064\u00b038\u2019W | Category B | Estimated amount: 0.02 m\u00b3 | Officer: [Name, Signature]<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Incineration of operational waste (Category F):<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Date: June 15, 2026 | Start: 0900 | Stop: 0945 | Position: 31\u00b050\u2019N, 065\u00b010\u2019W | Category F | Estimated amount: 0.05 m\u00b3 | Officer: [Name, Signature]<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Discharge to reception facility (Categories C and D):<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Date: June 16, 2026 | Time: 0800 | Port: Hamilton, Bermuda | Reception Facility: Bermuda Port Authority | Category C: 0.10 m\u00b3, Category D: 0.02 m\u00b3 | Officer: [Name, Signature]<\/em><\/p>\n<p>AMSA\u2019s official GRB guidance specifies these exact fields for each event type and provides worked examples that align with Appendix 2 of MARPOL Annex V.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <em>Estimating volume in cubic meters is the part most crews get wrong. A standard black garbage bag holds roughly 0.12 m\u00b3. A 55-gallon drum is approximately 0.21 m\u00b3. For continuous processing operations like a macerator running over several hours, log the total estimated output at the end of the operation with the start and stop times noted. When in doubt, round up rather than down \u2014 underreporting is a more serious finding than conservative estimation.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"retention-port-state-control-inspections-and-us-enforcement\">Retention, Port State Control inspections, and U.S. enforcement<\/h2>\n<p>Completed Garbage Record Books must be kept for a significant period after the date of the last entry to ensure compliance. This is a hard requirement under MARPOL Annex V, confirmed by the IMO\u2019s own guidance. A vessel that cannot produce a completed GRB from the prior two years during a Port State Control inspection is in violation, even if current recordkeeping is perfect.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-inspectors-check\">What inspectors check<\/h3>\n<p>Port State Control officers conducting a GRB inspection typically look for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Presence of the GRB aboard (Part I, and Part II if applicable)<\/li>\n<li>Completeness of entries: no blank required fields, no unsigned entries<\/li>\n<li>Correct positions recorded for at-sea discharges and incineration events<\/li>\n<li>Consistency between GRB entries and other onboard logs<\/li>\n<li>Evidence that the vessel has access to reception facilities when in port<\/li>\n<li>Two-year retention of completed books<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"uscg-enforcement-under-apps\">USCG enforcement under APPS<\/h3>\n<p>Under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, USCG officers can detain a vessel, issue civil penalties, and refer cases for criminal prosecution when GRB violations are serious or deliberate. Common enforcement outcomes for GRB deficiencies include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Corrective action requests with a deadline to remedy before departure<\/li>\n<li>Detention until a compliant GRB is produced<\/li>\n<li>Civil fines, which can be substantial for falsified or missing records<\/li>\n<li>Criminal referral for deliberate falsification (the \u201cmagic pipe\u201d standard applies to paperwork fraud as well as physical violations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For practical readiness, maintain a <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/maritime-documentation-checklist-vessel-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maritime documentation checklist<\/a> that includes GRB location, retention status, and the date of the last internal audit. Store completed books in a dry, accessible location, and keep a digital backup of every completed page.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"where-to-obtain-an-official-garbage-record-book\">Where to obtain an official Garbage Record Book<\/h2>\n<p>The most reliable sources for a compliant GRB form, in order of preference:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Your flag administration directly.<\/strong> Most administrations publish a downloadable GRB form on their official website. The form must match Appendix 2 of MARPOL Annex V. AMSA\u2019s AMSA 230 (2024) is a publicly available example.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recognized maritime suppliers.<\/strong> Companies like Amnautical and Bluewater stock pre-printed GRB booklets that conform to Appendix 2. Verify the edition date before purchasing \u2014 post-May 2024 forms should reflect the updated category structure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>National maritime authorities.<\/strong> In the U.S., the USCG does not publish its own GRB form, but MSIB 03-24 references the Appendix 2 standard. Any form that matches that standard is acceptable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"digital-alternatives\">Digital alternatives<\/h3>\n<p>Electronic log systems are acceptable in many jurisdictions, provided they meet specific criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Entries are time-stamped and unalterable after signing<\/li>\n<li>The system produces a searchable, exportable audit trail<\/li>\n<li>The flag administration has confirmed acceptance of electronic records<\/li>\n<li>A printed copy can be produced on demand for inspectors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Before switching to a digital GRB, get written confirmation from your flag administration that electronic records satisfy their national implementation of Annex V. Some administrations still require a hard-copy original aboard.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <em>When evaluating a printed GRB form from any supplier, open it to the entry pages and compare the column headers against Appendix 2 of MARPOL Annex V. The categories (A through I for Part I, J and K for Part II), the position fields, and the volume unit (cubic meters, not pounds or gallons) must all match. A form that uses imperial units or omits the position field for at-sea discharges is non-compliant regardless of what the cover says. For <a href=\"https:\/\/sphynxbcn.com\/sustainable-yacht-travel-tips-for-eco-conscious-sailors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainable yacht operations<\/a>, pairing a compliant GRB with a broader waste reduction plan also reduces the volume of entries you need to make.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"pre-voyage-grb-compliance-checklist\">Pre-voyage GRB compliance checklist<\/h2>\n<p>Run through this before every international departure or U.S. port call:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>[ ] Confirm vessel GT on the International Tonnage Certificate (ITC 69) \u2014 is it 100 GT or above?<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Confirm passenger capacity on the Safety Certificate \u2014 is it 15 or more persons?<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Verify GRB Part I is aboard and current (post-May 2024 form preferred)<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Verify GRB Part II is aboard if the vessel carries solid bulk cargo<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Spot-check the three most recent entries: all fields completed, positions recorded, officer signatures present<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Confirm completed GRBs from the prior two years are stored aboard and accessible<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Verify digital backup of all completed GRB pages exists and is current<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Confirm at least one officer aboard has been trained in making GRB entries<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Schedule or confirm date of next internal GRB audit<\/li>\n<li>[ ] Confirm reception facility access at the next port of call and log any planned discharges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This checklist pairs with Vesselflag\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/yacht-compliance-guide-safe-legal-efficient-ops\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yacht compliance guide<\/a> for a broader pre-voyage documentation review.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"how-vesselflag-supports-grb-compliance\">How Vesselflag supports GRB compliance<\/h2>\n<p>Vesselflag\u2019s registration and compliance services directly address the documentation gaps that create GRB problems. Specifically:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>GT confirmation:<\/strong> Vesselflag verifies the gross tonnage figure on your Certificate of Registry and International Tonnage Certificate, and liaises with the flag administration when the figures are ambiguous or the vessel was measured under a non-ITC 69 standard.<\/li>\n<li><strong>GRB sourcing by flag:<\/strong> Different flag administrations publish different GRB forms. Vesselflag identifies the correct form for your flag and confirms it matches Appendix 2 of MARPOL Annex V.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electronic log compatibility review:<\/strong> Vesselflag advises on whether a proposed digital log system meets the flag administration\u2019s acceptance criteria, including time-stamping, audit trail, and export requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compliance audits:<\/strong> Short-response document audits that check GRB completeness, retention status, and concordance with other onboard logs before a port call or flag inspection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>GRB compliance is integrated into Vesselflag\u2019s registration packages, so owners who register or re-flag through Vesselflag receive guidance on GRB requirements as part of the process rather than discovering gaps at inspection. For more on how organized documentation reduces inspection risk, see Vesselflag\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/transparent-compliance-the-anchor-of-safe-efficient-yacht-ownership\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">approach to transparent compliance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"why-accurate-grb-records-matter-more-than-operators-think\">Why accurate GRB records matter more than operators think<\/h2>\n<p>Most GRB violations are not the result of deliberate pollution. They are the result of crew turnover, ambiguous forms, and the assumption that a partially completed log is good enough. It is not. A Port State Control officer who finds three unsigned entries and a missing position field in an otherwise clean GRB will issue a deficiency. That deficiency goes on the vessel\u2019s inspection record, follows it across flag states, and can trigger enhanced scrutiny on every subsequent port call.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786340403284_Crew-hands-tying-garbage-bag-on-yacht-waste-station.jpeg\" alt=\"Crew hands tying garbage bag on yacht waste station\"><\/p>\n<p>The operators who avoid this are not the ones with the most sophisticated waste management systems. They are the ones who treat the GRB as a live document, train every officer who might need to make an entry, and audit the book before every international departure rather than after a problem surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>Vesselflag\u2019s experience across dozens of flag jurisdictions and <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/navigate-maritime-regulations-yachts-global-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">international registration packages<\/a> consistently shows that documentation discipline at the registration stage carries forward into operational compliance. Owners who understand their GT, their flag\u2019s specific GRB form, and their retention obligations from day one rarely face enforcement surprises.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"get-your-grb-documentation-right-with-vesselflag\">Get your GRB documentation right with Vesselflag<\/h2>\n<p>Garbage Record Book compliance is a documentation problem before it is an enforcement problem. Owners who are unsure of their GT, operating with an outdated GRB form, or running a digital log system their flag administration has not confirmed are already exposed.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1771260086041_vesselflag.jpg\" alt=\"Vesselflag\"><\/p>\n<p>Vesselflag offers fast, practical support for exactly these gaps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Flag confirmation and GT verification<\/strong> \u2014 written confirmation from your flag administration, not a guess<\/li>\n<li><strong>GRB sourcing<\/strong> \u2014 the correct, post-May 2024 form for your specific flag<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital log compatibility review<\/strong> \u2014 confirmation that your electronic system meets flag administration acceptance criteria<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pre-port compliance audit<\/strong> \u2014 a rapid check of your GRB, retention records, and supporting documentation before a U.S. port call<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Start with a <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/how-to-register-a-yacht-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yacht registration and compliance review<\/a> or go directly to Vesselflag\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/flag-registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">flag registration services<\/a> to confirm your vessel\u2019s documentation status today.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"sources\">Sources<\/h2>\n<p>The following official references are the authoritative starting points for GRB compliance:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imo.org\/en\/ourwork\/environment\/pages\/garbage-default.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amsa.gov.au\/marine-environment\/marine-pollution\/garbage-record-book\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Garbage record book | Australian Maritime Safety Authority<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When reviewing these resources, look specifically for: the Appendix 2 standard form, the Part I\/II category definitions, and any implementation notes that apply to your flag state\u2019s version of the requirement.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>This article is general information, not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer. Consult a qualified legal professional about your own circumstances before acting on anything here.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-a-garbage-record-book-on-a-ship\">What is a Garbage Record Book on a ship?<\/h3>\n<p>A Garbage Record Book (GRB) is the official onboard log required by MARPOL Annex V that documents every garbage management event, including discharges to sea, discharges to reception facilities, incineration, and accidental loss overboard.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"which-vessels-must-carry-a-garbage-record-book-under-marpol-annex-v\">Which vessels must carry a Garbage Record Book under MARPOL Annex V?<\/h3>\n<p>Ships of 100 GT and above on international voyages, ships certified to carry 15 or more persons on international voyages, and fixed or floating platforms must all maintain a GRB. The 100 GT threshold took effect May 1, 2024, replacing the prior 400 GT threshold.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-garbage-record-book-part-i-and-part-ii\">What is the difference between Garbage Record Book Part I and Part II?<\/h3>\n<p>Part I covers categories A through I (plastics, food waste, domestic waste, cooking oil, incinerator ash, operational waste, animal carcasses, fishing gear, and e-waste) and applies to all vessels required to keep a GRB. Part II covers categories J and K (cargo residues) and applies only to ships carrying solid bulk cargo.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-long-must-a-completed-garbage-record-book-be-kept-aboard\">How long must a completed Garbage Record Book be kept aboard?<\/h3>\n<p>Completed Garbage Record Books must be retained aboard for a minimum of two years after the date of the last entry, as required by MARPOL Annex V and confirmed by IMO guidance.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-can-vesselflag-help-with-garbage-record-book-compliance\">How can Vesselflag help with Garbage Record Book compliance?<\/h3>\n<p>Vesselflag verifies your vessel\u2019s gross tonnage against your flag administration\u2019s records, sources the correct post-May 2024 GRB form for your flag, reviews digital log compatibility, and conducts pre-port compliance audits to confirm your documentation is inspection-ready.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"recommended\">Recommended<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/maritime-documentation-checklist-vessel-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maritime Documentation Checklist: 2026 Vessel Compliance Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/navigate-maritime-regulations-yachts-global-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navigate maritime regulations for yachts: global compliance guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/yacht-documentation-compliance-registration-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yacht documentation for compliance and registration 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/essential-yacht-compliance-tips-global-registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Essential yacht compliance tips: global registration guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- .vgblk-rw-wrapper --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the essential compliance guide for yachts on maintaining a Garbage Record Book under MARPOL regulations for 2026. Stay prepared!<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":990267,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[174],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-990262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=990262"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990262\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":990266,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/990262\/revisions\/990266"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/990267"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=990262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=990262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesselflag.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=990262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}