QUESTION 10.5.2

Bunker-fuel sampling, retention and analysis

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Control Room, Chief Engineer's Office

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether representative fuel samples are obtained and controlled correctly, statutory and commercial samples remain traceable, and laboratory results are reviewed before the fuel is used where practicable.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

SAMPLING POINTA continuous drip sampler is fitted at the agreed representative receiving point and remains attended throughout delivery.CONTAINER CONTROLThe primary sample is thoroughly mixed and divided into clean containers without contamination or substitution.SEALS AND LABELSSample identity, date, location, grade, seal numbers, signatures and BDN linkage are complete.MARPOL SAMPLEThe representative compliance sample is retained in the required safe location for the statutory period.ANALYSISCommercial samples are sent promptly to the contracted laboratory and results are reviewed against specification and machinery limits.QUARANTINENew fuel remains segregated and unused until results are accepted where tank capacity and operational safety permit.OFF-SPEC RESPONSESuspect or non-compliant fuel triggers preservation of evidence, notification, segregation and technical or contractual action.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Where was the sample taken and why is it representative?

Identify the agreed receiving manifold point and continuous collection across the whole delivery.

2What is the difference between the MARPOL and commercial samples?

The MARPOL sample supports statutory fuel-compliance verification; commercial samples support quality and contractual investigation. Each requires controlled identity and custody.

3May the new fuel be used before analysis?

Avoid use where practicable. If operational necessity requires it, obtain shore guidance, assess compatibility and machinery risk, and preserve segregation as far as possible.

4What happens if sulphur or flashpoint is suspect?

Stop or avoid use as appropriate, notify company and authorities under procedure, preserve samples and records and obtain formal technical direction.

5How are seal numbers verified?

Record them at sealing, cross-check the BDN and sample register, and investigate any mismatch before custody is lost.

Where an observation may arise

SPOT SAMPLE

A bottle filled at one moment is treated as representative of the full delivery.

TRACEABILITY

Seal, label, BDN or sample-register details do not match.

POOR STORAGE

Retained samples are exposed to heat, accommodation spaces or unauthorised access.

EARLY USE

Fuel is consumed without review where safe quarantine was available.

RESULT IGNORED

An abnormal or off-specification report receives no controlled response.

Master's practical note

Pick one delivery and follow the sample from sampler to laboratory result and tank use. The chain is weak if any bottle, seal, date or receiving tank cannot be reconciled.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Sampling location and statutory retention follow MARPOL Annex VI and the bunker-delivery arrangement. Flashpoint and quality disputes may also engage SOLAS, ISO 8217 and contractual procedures.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.5.2
MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18 and Appendix VI
SOLAS Chapter II-2 regulation 4
ISO 8217, applicable contracted edition
IMO Resolution MEPC.182(59)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10