Sailing Directions 147 (Enroute) Volume 1 covers the Caribbean Sea from Bermuda and the Straits of Florida to Puerto Rico and Barbados. It is issued for use in conjunction with Sailing Directions 140 (Planning Guide) North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Companion volumes are Sailing Directions 141, 142, 143, 145, 146, and 148.

Sailing Directions 191 (Enroute) covers the English Channel from Scilly Isles and Ile Douessant to Dover and Dunkerque bordering the North Sea. It is issued for use in conjunction with Sailing Directions 140 (Planning Guide) North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Companion volumes are Sailing Directions 192, 193, 194, and 195.

This Manual provides practical information to Governments and competent (port) authorities, in particular those in developing countries, as well as the shipping industry, agencies and waste contractors seeking guidance when implementing MARPOL. It also provides guidance on how to deal with possible inadequacies, as, in order to comply fully with MARPOL, a party State has to ensure the provision of adequate port reception facilities meeting the needs of ships using their ports, without causing undue delay to the ships.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships 1973 and the Protocol of 1978 (known as MARPOL 73/78) entered into force in October 1983. Its objective is to preserve the marine environment by setting out regulations aimed at preventing and minimising pollution from ships, both accidental and through routine operations, including oil, chemicals, sewage and waste. This publication contains the 2006 consolidated edition of the treaty, including articles, protocols and annexes, and it supersedes the 2002 consolidated edition (ISBN 9280151258).