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On the basis of MARPOL Annex VI, Reg. 14, the in-use or onboard sample to be analyzed.

The following new terms "In-use sample" and "On board sample" have been added to the mentioned regulation:

In-use sample: Samples drawn from fuel oil supply system downstream of fuel oil service tanks; in other words, a sample of fuel oil in use on the ship.

On board sample: Samples drawn from the fuel oil transfer systems from fuel oil storage tanks to fuel oil setting tanks, or from fuel oil settling/service tanks, etc.; in other words, a sample of fuel oil intended to be used or carried for use on board the ship.

Application

Fuel oil supply systems for all new and existing ships including platforms and drilling rigs within the following schedule to be fulfilled:

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

The requirements above are not applicable to a fuel oil service system for a low-flashpoint fuel for combustion purposes for propulsion or operation on board the ship. Low-flashpoint fuel means gaseous or liquid fuel oil having a flashpoint lower than otherwise permitted under paragraph 2.1.1 of regulation 4 of chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended.

The requirements for sampling points required by MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 are as follows:

1. be easily and safely accessible;
2. take into account different fuel oil grades being used for the fuel oil combustion machinery item;
3. be downstream of the in-use fuel oil service tank;
4. be as close to the fuel oil combustion machinery as safely feasible taking into account the type of fuel oil, flow-rate, temperature, and pressure behind the selected sampling point;
5. be clearly marked for easy identification and described in either the piping diagram or other relevant documents;
6. each sampling point should be located in a position shielded from any heated surface or electrical equipment and the shielding device or construction should be sturdy enough to endure leaks, splashes or spray under design pressure of the fuel oil supply line so as to preclude impingement of fuel oil onto such surface or equipment; and
7. the sampling arrangement should be provided with suitable drainage to the drain tank or other safe location.

Using of the previous existing equipment may be accepted as sampling points (e.g. air-bleeding plug/drain valve on fuel oil strainer, etc.)

In cases of common F.O. supply line serving two or more units of combustion machinery, a single sampling point is acceptable.

The design and installation criteria shall be met the classification societies.

References:

1. MARPOL 2021 Amendment (76th) / Reg. 14
2. MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1

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