A properly functioning Oily Water Separator (OWS) is needed
to ensure compliance with MARPOL. The OWS controls operational discharges
overboard of waste water that accumulates in machinery spaces. An
understanding of both the oil-water separating equipment and shipboard
wastes that enter the bilge is necessary to properly manage onboard
bilge water and oily waste. This Guide describes a six-point process
to diagnose contaminants in bilge water. It recommends approaches
to prevent contaminants from entering bilge water and to remove contaminants
that hinder the operation of an OWS.
Use of this Guide can only be successful with crew and shoreside
personnel awareness; adequate funding for maintenance, training, retrofitting
and upgrades; attention to manufacturer’s maintenance and operating
procedures and details; and careful monitoring, communication and
oversight.