Directive 2005/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for infringements.

The purpose of this Directive is to incorporate international standards for ship-source pollution into Community law, in order to ensure that persons responsible for discharges are subject to adequate penalties. The aim pursued is the improvement of maritime safety and the enhancement of the protection of the marine environment from pollution caused by ships. This Directive shall apply to discharges of polluting substances into: (a) the internal waters, including ports, of a Member State, in so far as the Marpol regime is applicable; (b) the territorial sea of Member States; (c) straits used for international navigation subject to the regime of transit passage; (d) the exclusive economic zone or equivalent zone of Member States; (e) the high seas. Member States are required to ensure that ship-source discharges of polluting substances are regarded as infringements if committed with intent, recklessly or by serious negligence. Infringements within this meaning shall be subject to effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties, which may include criminal or administrative penalties.