With reference to MARPOL Annex I, draw a 15 ppm oily water separator and explain its principles of operation, and state the periodical maintenance and checks to verify effectiveness?
Short answer
flowchart TD
A[Bilge water inlet] --> B[Coalescer\nconical plate pack]
B --> C{Oil globules\ncoalesce & rise}
C -->|Oil| D[Oil collection dome]
C -->|Water| E[Clean water outlet]
D --> F[Test cocks / level probes]
F --> G[Oil drain valve]
E --> H[Oil-content monitor\n15 ppm]
H --> I{> 15 ppm?}
I -->|Yes| J[3-way valve\nto bilge/holding]
I -->|No| K[Overboard]
- MARPOL Annex I requirement: 400 GT and above, bilge water ≤ 15 ppm oil
- Components: Bilge water inlet, conical plate pack, oil collection dome, test cocks/level probes, oil drain valve, clean water outlet, oil-content monitor, automatic stopping device (3-way valve), overboard discharge
- Principles: Coalescence via conical plates, gravity separation, controlled oil drainage, monitoring and automatic diversion if > 15 ppm
- Operational limits: Must be filled with clean water before first use, never exceed rated throughput
- Daily checks: Monitor powered, stopping device position, leaks, oil drain valve and sludge tank level
- Weekly maintenance: Test monitor alarm, clean test cocks/probes, drain accumulated oil
- Monthly/quarterly checks: Monitor calibration valid (<5 years), inspect plate pack, verify no bypass
- Annual/survey checks: Functional test of system, Oil Record Book Part I entries, monitor sealed and data storage intact
- Standards: MEPC.107(49) or MEPC.60(33)
- ETO role: Verify calibration/sealing, stopping device operation, maintenance per manual/SMS, record in Oil Record Book Part I, report defects, confirm IOPP validity
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the ETO section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the ETO exam.