QUESTION 6.6.1

Oily-water separator, 15 ppm alarm and stopping device

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Control Room, Engine Room, Interview - Engineer Officer

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether machinery-space bilge discharges are controlled by intact, maintained and competently operated oil-filtering equipment, a valid 15 ppm alarm and an effective automatic stopping device.

Ready onboard

0/8 complete

PROCEDUREThe procedure defines permitted use, start-up, monitoring, shutdown, abnormal response and required records.CALIBRATIONThe 15 ppm bilge alarm has valid calibration within the manufacturer-specified interval and no more than five years.SECURITYOverboard valves, system flanges and connections are sealed or secured according to approved arrangements.WARNINGThe overboard valve carries a clear notice restricting operation to authorised personnel.CONDITIONSeparator, pumps, valves, sample lines, alarm, recorder and automatic stopping device are operational and free from unauthorised modification.TESTAn engineer can demonstrate the approved functional test, including alarm and stopping response, without an overboard discharge.RECORDSMaintenance, calibration, faults, repairs and ORB Part I entries are complete and consistent.RETENTION15 ppm alarm records are available for the required period and can be retrieved.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Demonstrate the functional test of the 15 ppm alarm and automatic stopping device.

Use the approved test medium and manufacturer sequence, verify alarm and diversion or stop response, and avoid any uncontrolled overboard discharge.

2When was the 15 ppm alarm last calibrated?

Show the certificate, sensor identity and due date against the manufacturer's interval, which must not exceed the applicable maximum.

3How is tampering with the OWS and associated piping prevented and detected?

Show approved seals, flange controls, drawings, inspection routines and the response to any unexplained connection or broken seal.

4What action is taken if the OWS becomes defective?

Stop overboard use, secure the system, notify the Chief Engineer, Master and company, retain bilge water or discharge ashore, repair and record the defect.

5Trace the latest machinery-space bilge discharge into ORB Part I.

Reconcile source tank, quantity, date, time, position, equipment operation, alarm record and signed ORB entry.

Where an observation may arise

CALIBRATION

The 15 ppm alarm calibration is expired or cannot be matched to the fitted sensor.

SECURITY

Overboard valve, flanges or connections are not secured as required or show evidence of tampering.

FUNCTION

The separator, alarm, recorder or automatic stopping device fails its approved test.

MODIFICATION

Unapproved piping, valves or connections are fitted.

KNOWLEDGE

The engineer cannot explain permitted use, testing or defect response.

RECORDS

Alarm data, maintenance or ORB Part I entries are absent or inconsistent.

VALVE CONTROL

The overboard valve is open, unsecured or lacks the required warning.

Master's practical note

Start with the approved piping drawing and physically account for every connection around the separator. Then test alarm and stopping logic by the manufacturer's safe method and reconcile the latest use with ORB Part I.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Do not conduct an overboard discharge for demonstration. Calibration, test medium, alarm simulation and valve security must follow the approved manufacturer and company instructions.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 6.6.1
MARPOL Annex I Regulations 14 and 15
Manufacturer's oil-filtering equipment manual
IOPP Certificate and Supplement

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08