Guidelines for onboard sampling for the verification of the Sulphur Content of the Fuel Oil

Guidelines for onboard sampling for the verification

of the Sulphur Content of the Fuel Oil

This circular aims to inform Shipowners with the agreed method for sampling to

enable effective control and enforcement of liquid fuel oil being used on board ships

under the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI.

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators | Surveyors

 20 February 2017

Through MEPC.1/Circ.864, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), adopted the following guidelines under the

provisions of MARPOL Annex VI, giving an agreed method for sampling to enable effective control and

enforcement of liquid

fuel oil being used on board ships.

Sampling location

The on-board representative sample or samples should be obtained from a designated sampling point or points taking into

account the criteria given below.

In the absence of the sampling point, the fuel sampling point to be used should fulfil all of the following conditions:

 be easily and safely accessible;

 take into account different fuel oil grades being used for the fuel oil combustion machinery item;

 be downstream of the in-use fuel oil service tank;

 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;

 the 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;

 be proposed by the ship's representative and accepted by the inspector; and

 the sampling arrangement should be provided with suitable drainage to the drain tank or other safe location.

Fuel oil samples may be taken at more than one location in the fuel oil service system to determine whether there is a possible

fuel cross-contamination in the absence of fully segregated fuel service systems, or in case of multiple service tank

arrangements..

Sample handling

The fuel oil sample should be taken when a steady flow is established in the fuel oil circulating system. The sampling connection1

should be thoroughly flushed through with the fuel oil in use prior to drawing the sample. The sample or samples should be

collected in a sampling container or containers and should be representative of the fuel oil being used. The sample bottles should

be sealed by the inspector with a unique means of identification installed in the presence of the ship's representative. The ship

should be given the option of retaining a sample. The label should include the following information:

 sampling point location where the sample was drawn;

 date and port of sampling;

 name and IMO number of the ship;

 details of seal identification; and

 signatures and names of the inspector and the ship's representative.

Act now

Ship owners / Managers / Operators are advised to take note of above guidelines in order to adopt this agreed method for

sampling to enable effective control and enforcement of liquid fuel oil being used on board their ships.