The harmful environmental effects of organotin-based compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT) used in anti-fouling paints on vessel hulls and infrastructure have been recognised for some time. Anti-fouling paints are used to inhibit growth of marine organisms to maintain the efficiency of vessels and infrastructure.

MARPOL is the main international convention aimed at the prevention of pollution from ships caused by operational or accidental causes. It was adopted at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973. The Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a number of tanker accidents in 1976–1977. The 1978 Protocol was absorbed into the parent Convention and the combined instrument entered into force in 1983. In 1997, a Protocol was adopted to amend the Convention and a new Annex VI was added, which came into force in May 2005.

The National Plan is an integrated arrangement between the Federal, State and Northern Territory governments and industry that enables effective response to marine pollution incidents. The National Plan sets out the national arrangements, policies and principles for the management of maritime environmental emergencies.

The aim of the National Plan is to protect the community and the environment of Australia's marine and foreshore zones from the adverse effects of oil and other noxious or hazardous substances spilt into the marine environment.