Members calling at Chinese ports will be aware of PRC Regulations, effective since February 2011 and amended in 2013, that require international ocean-going vessels to dispose of pollutants on board and to present a valid Pollutant Disposal Certificate (PDC) to the China Maritime Safety Administration prior to departing China. The Correspondent, Huatai Insurance Agency and Consultant Service Limited, China, reports that as of 13 December 2016 the Chinese Ministry of Transport has issued a formal notice that disposal is no longer mandatory, so that the requirement to present a PDC has been abolished. The Correspondent has issued a Circular that includes further details and an outline of the historical changes, a copy of which can be accessed by clicking here.