RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF STATES IN PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION FROM SHIPS THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA (LOS CONVENTION)

International regulations governing the protection of the sea against pollution started to develop during 70s. By that time the protection of the sea had not been given special attention due to the fact that sea pollution had not reached large proportions as well as the fact that there was no knowledge about the effect of certain substances and activities to the sea and the marine environment. Namely, it was thought that the sea, as wide space, can absorb all substances brought into it. Over time, the danger that threatens the sea against pollution was being recognized, which caused the necessity to undertake a number of measures aimed at the protection and preservation of the marine environment. It was considered that regulation of these problems, through the adoption of both international and national regulations, would largely have a preventive effect on the sea pollution. One of such regulations represented by an umbrella treaty is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In this paper, the author analyzes the basic provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the protection and preservation of the marine environment. The author points to various sources of marine pollution. However, the paper mainly discusses the provisions of the Convention relating to the pollution of the sea from ships. Special attention is paid to the provisions governing powers and duties of coastal States, port States and flag States in connection with adoption and enforcement of regulations on prevention of marine pollution from ships.