1 The revised Annex I of MARPOL 73/78, expected
to come into force on 1 January 2007, contains certain regulations
and unified interpretations related to equipment for the storage,
handling and disposal of oily residues and engine-room oily bilge
water.
2 In order to facilitate the work of Administrations
on systems for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships,
the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has continuously
reviewed an appropriate technology for fulfilment of the Convention
requirements.
3 The "Guidelines for systems for handling oily
wastes in machinery spaces of ships" appended to MEPC/Circ.235 were developed as guidance for Administrations,
shipowners and shipbuilders for consideration in achieving an efficient
and effective system for the handling of oily bilge water and oily
residues for ships, the keels of which were laid on or after 1 January
1992 and, where practicable, ships then in service.
4 The aforementioned Guidelines have been reviewed
in accordance with the provisions of the revised MARPOL Annex I and
revised as set out at annex to this circular.
5 For further prevention of oil pollution from
machinery spaces of ships, MEPC was of the view that a considerable
reduction of the generation of oily bilge water produced in machinery
spaces can be achieved and, in this respect, approved the concept
of an Integrated Bilge Water Treatment System (IBTS) which incorporates
the means to reduce the amount of oily bilge water and process the
oily bilge water and oil residue (sludge) in a holistic manner.
6 MEPC 54 recognized the need to disseminate the
concept of IBTS and developed the Guidance notes for IBTS as set out
in the appendix to the annexed Guidelines.