What is MARPOL Annex I, how does an oily water separator (OWS) work and what equipment is mandatory? Oil pollution prevention on ships explained.
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Ships must treat the oily bilge water that accumulates in the engine room before discharging it to sea. The international rule governing this is MARPOL Annex I, and the key equipment is the Oily Water Separator (OWS). This guide explains MARPOL Annex I requirements and the related equipment.
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) is the main international regulation to prevent marine pollution from ships. It has annexes for different pollution types: Annex I (oil), Annex IV (sewage), Annex V (garbage), Annex VI (air emissions).
Annex I strictly limits the discharge of oil and oily mixtures. Engine-room bilge water may only be discharged below 15 ppm (parts per million) of oil and through approved equipment. Ships must also record oil transfers in the Oil Record Book.
The OWS and 15 ppm monitor require regular maintenance and calibration; a faulty system is both an environmental and legal risk. Port State Control checks the equipment's operation and the Oil Record Book. Violations can lead to serious penalties.
Search OWS filter elements, 15 ppm sensors and bilge equipment spares by IMPA code on e-ShipSupply and source them through supplier listings.
It limits the discharge of oil and oily mixtures, requiring engine-room bilge water to be discharged below 15 ppm and through approved equipment.
It separates oil from bilge water to bring discharge below the legal 15 ppm limit.
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