Illegal bilge discharge is nothing new, but despite regulations in effect for over two decades, there is still confusion and a willingness to bend the rules, risking costly penalties. At Rivertrace, we help our customers in marine, offshore, and industrial sectors run environmentally compliant operations efficiently. We advise on, supply, and support devices that actively measure, monitor, and control oil levels in water to prevent pollution and ensure bilge discharge compliance.
Earlier this year, the Australian Government released a Marine Notice to guide port authorities on testing and inspecting MEPC.107(49) equipment. This has caused unease as many operators are detained without understanding why.
AMSA interprets the failure of the 15ppm bilge alarm to activate the automatic stopping device in the absence of a representative sample of the effluent as non-compliance with Resolution MEPC.107(49). Read the Marine Notice [here].
Under MEPC.107(49) guidelines, section 6.2.2 states:
“The arrangement on board ship for the extraction of samples from the 15 ppm Bilge Separator discharge line to the 15 ppm Bilge Alarm should give a truly representative sample of the effluent with adequate pressure and flow.”
Rivertrace strongly recommends that the sample line from the OWS to the 15ppm OCM be one continuous length of pipe to ensure a true representation and bilge discharge compliance. Adding a valve in this section risks manipulation of pressure and flow.
This position is supported by the P&ID under section 6.2.3, showing no break or valve in the pipe from the OWS to the 15ppm OCM.
To ensure bilge discharge compliance, Rivertrace recommends the following steps:
- Ensure the pipe from the OWS to the OCM is one continuous pipe.
- If valves are fitted on this line and cannot be removed, secure and seal them open to prevent manipulation of flow and pressure during operation.
- Fit a Flow Switch to your SMART BILGE to ensure the OCM alarms if there is no flow through the measuring cell during normal operations.
Contact the Rivertrace team for further clarification or to upgrade your flow switch.