2.1 The requirements of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78
relating to oil content monitoring of oil tanker ballast and tank
washing water are set out in regulation
15(3)(a), which stipulates that oil tankers of 150 tons gross
tonnage and above should be equipped with an approved monitoring system
and that such system should record continuously:
-
.1 the discharge of oil in litres per nautical
mile; and
-
.2 the total quantity of oil discharged or, alternatively,
the oil content of the effluent and the rate of discharge.
In both cases the record should be identifiable as to time and
date and should be kept for at least 3 years.
2.2
Regulation
15 also stipulates that the system should come into operation
when there is any discharge of effluent into the sea and should be
such as will ensure that any discharge of oily mixture is automatically
stopped when the instantaneous rate of discharge of oil exceeds that
permitted by regulation 9(1)(a).
2.3 Resolution A.445(XI) recognizes the need for
early installation of oil discharge monitoring and control systems
in order that operational experience may be gained. That resolution
further invites the Marine Environment Protection Committee to develop
guidelines for the progressive installation of monitoring systems
for new and existing oil tankers.
2.4 An incentive scheme was adopted under resolution
A.496(XII), specifying the standard of systems to be installed in
tankers depending on their size and age. The implementation requirements
in these Guidelines and Specifications conform with the requirements
in that scheme as regards installations in new tankers as defined
in regulation 1(6) of Annex I of
MARPOL 73/78.