🔍 Key Concepts

• MARPOL Annex I requirements for handling oily bilge water on motor vessels • Typical components and purpose of an oily-water separator (OWS) system • Difference between treating bilge mixtures vs. treating fuel sludge or lube oil only

💭 Think About

• Look at the control panel and indicator in the control room: what are they monitoring or alarming on, and why would that be important under pollution regulations? • Consider what part of the ship this system is installed in and where the piping leads: does it look like it sends treated fluid overboard or back into a closed lube-oil system? • Compare the internal separator tank design (coalescer packs, separation chambers) with what you know about how bilge water is cleaned before discharge.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether the illustration label refers to oil content or water content in the discharge line. • Check if the module is connected to bilge piping or to a dedicated lube oil/reduction gear loop. • Confirm if this type of unit is normally used to meet 15 ppm overboard discharge limits for bilge water under MARPOL/USCG rules.