Please be advised that an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI related to fuel oil sampling and verification procedures for the sulphur content of fuel oil was adopted as Resolution MEPC.324(75) at the 75th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC75) held in November 2020, and these amendments are scheduled to enter into force on 1 April 2022.

This amendment adds the following new terms "In-use sample" and "On board sample".

- In-use sample: A sample drawn from the fuel oil supply system downstream of the fuel oil service tanks, meaning a sample of fuel oil in use on the ship.
- On board sample: A sample drawn from the fuel oil transfer system from the fuel oil storage tank to the fuel oil setting tank or from the fuel oil settling/service tank, etc., meaning a sample of fuel oil intended to be used or carried for use on board the ship.

Technical information related to the fitting or designation of sampling points for in-use samples is as follows.

1. Application
Fuel oil supply systems (excluding low-flashpoint fuel oil supply systems) for all new and existing ships (including platforms and drilling rigs)

2. Application date
(1) For ships the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 April 2022, registration surveys during construction.
(2) For ships the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction before 1 April 2022, the first IAPP renewal survey carried out on or after 1 April 2023

3. Fitting or designating of fuel sampling points
Fuel oil sampling points are required to be fitted or designated for the purpose of taking representative samples of the fuel oil being used on board the ship, taking into account MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1.
The requirements for sampling points required by MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 are as follows:

(To be continued)