AMSA PSC procedure
MSA port State control officers (PSCOs) will inspect the condition, and operation, of the oily-water separator, filtering equipment and alarm, stopping or monitoring arrangements as described in the Procedures for Port State Control, 2023 Resolution A.1185(33).
Operational testing of oil filtering equipment will require the equipment to be configured to circulate liquid from bilge tank to bilge tank (recirculating facility) and provide an effluent sample to the 15ppm bilge alarm – simulating the discharge of 15ppm bilge separator effluent overboard. When a simulation of effluent sample greater than 15ppm is applied, the PSCO will confirm that the alarm is activated, and that the automatic stopping device (3- way valve) stops effluent discharge overboard. This indicates compliant operation of the system.
The PSCO will confirm that there is a flow of effluent sample from the 15ppm bilge separator that is truly representative, with adequate pressure and flow, to the 15ppm
bilge alarm while effluent is being simulated to flow overboard.
In cases where the flow of effluent sample is not a representative sample, including blockage of the sample line or incorrect operation of valves, it is expected that, in accordance with MEPC.107(49) requirements, the fail-safe arrangement will activate the automatic stopping device (3-way valve) and stop effluent discharge overboard.
AMSA’s interpretation is that the failure of the 15ppm bilge alarm to activate the automatic stopping device in the absence of a representative sample of the effluent, represents non-compliance with Resolution MEPC.107(49). That is there is no fail-safe arrangement required by technical specification 4.1.3.
AMSA is aware various classification societies advocate for the installation of “flow sensors” in the 15ppm bilge alarm sample line. The flow sensors activate an alarm and operate the automatic stopping arrangements when a truly representative sample, with adequate pressure and flow, is not present at the 15ppm bilge alarm. They also recommend the
Figures 2 and 3 show a sample line found blocked when no flow observed from 15ppm bilge alarm outlet.
sealing of all valves installed in the effluent sample pipes so that the valves are locked and sealed in their normal operating position to ensure adequate effluent sampling.
AMSA accepts that MEPC 107(49) does not specifically require the fitting of flow or pressure sensors.
Figure 2
Figure 3 THE REPORT | SEP 2024 | ISSUE 109 | 113
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