1
MARPOL Annex I contains
certain regulations and unified interpretations related to equipment
for the storage, handling and disposal of oily residues (sludge) and
oily bilge water.
2 In the continuous review by the Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC) of appropriate technology for fulfilment
of the Convention requirements, substantial information has been collected
which is valuable in the design, approval and surveying of installations
in engine-rooms for systems handling oily bilge water, and oily residues
(sludge), but this does not form part of the Convention regulations
or the related interpretations.
3 The MEPC decided that this information is, nevertheless,
of substantial value to Administrations, shipowners and shipbuilders
and, accordingly, decided that dissemination of the information should
be in the format of an MEPC circular.
4 The information contained in these Guidelines
should be regarded as guidance in achieving an efficient and effective
system for the handling of oily bilge water and oily residues (sludge)
for new buildings and, where applicable and reasonable, for ships
which are in service. The information should be considered in conjunction
with specific conditions and circumstances, shipowners' and shipbuilders'
practices, classification society rules, Administration requirements,
etc., applicable to specific ships.
4.1 The unified interpretations of MARPOL should
further be considered in achieving an efficient and effective system
for the handling of oily water bilge and oil residue (sludge).