You are probably aware of the recent worldwide moves against marine pollution that have become increasingly strict. A number of deficiencies regarding oil filtering equipment and oil content meters in engine rooms have been pointed out during PSC inspections conducted recently all over the world. There have been ships that were detained for a long term till complete repairs were completed. These deficiencies of oil filtering equipment and oil content meters, were the most common deficiencies on ships classed by ClassNK in 2002 as along with deficiencies of lifeboats.
The typical test methods during PSC inspection is as follows:

1. To confirm 0 ppm reading of the oil content meter when fresh water is supplied, where the meter is fitted;
2. To sample the filtered water from the test cock of the oil filtering equipment or the outlet of the oil content meter in a cup with a bilge pump supplying bilge water to confirm no visible oil content;
3. To carry out an "opening-out" examination of the oil filtering parts and associated piping when the sampled water in 2. Contains visible traces of oil;
4. To confirm the normal operation of the oil content meter taking account of the condition of the sampled water, where the meter is fitted;

Everyday maintenance and inspection by the crew is indispensable in order to prevent occurrence of defects of the oil filtering equipment and oil content meter. ClassNK surveyors have been instructed to carry out stringent inspections so that the above PSC inspection was taken into account during survey for an IOPP certificate. In the mean time, please instruct the person who is engaged in management of ships to enhance maintenance and inspection of the oil filtering equipment and oil content meter in the periods between the surveys by class surveyors. Enforcement of maintenance and inspection including cleaning or replacement of a filter before entering into port may be very effective as measures toward preparing for a PSC inspection. Please refer to the instruction manual of the manufacturer of the oil filtering equipment and oil content meter regarding methods of maintenance and inspection.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp