#53 Operating an Oily Water Separator (OWS) on a Ship A Guide

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Operating an Oily Water Separator

An oily water separator serves the vital role of purifying bilge water, reducing its oily content to within acceptable levels for safe discharge overboard. The operation of an oily water separator is so significant that it is entrusted to either the 2nd engineer or the chief engineer, although the duty engineer may also be called upon to operate it under supervision.

To ensure the proper functioning of an oily water separator, the following operating procedures must be followed:

1. The manual discharge valve for the oily water separator's overboard discharge should remain locked, with the keys held by the chief engineer. Unlock the valve and open it, along with all other relevant system valves.

2. Select the appropriate bilge tank valve from which the oily water mixture will be discharged through the oily water separator.

3. Activate the air supply if control valves are air-operated.

4. Power on both the control panel and the Oil Content Monitor (OCM) unit.

5. Prime the system by filling the separator and filter unit with fresh or sea water until water flows from the vent of the second stage.

6. Start the Oily Water Separator supply pump, a laminar flow pump responsible for delivering the oily water mixture to the separator.

7. Continuously monitor the OCM for the parts per million (ppm) value and regularly check the soundings of the bilge tank from which the Oily Water Separator is drawing suction and the OWS sludge tank.

8. Use the provided sample valve, located just before the overboard valve and after the 3-way valve, to monitor the effluent for clarity and quality.

9. Keep a vigilant eye on the ship's side near the overboard discharge valve.

10. After completing the operation, switch off the power and securely close and lock the overboard valve, returning the keys to the chief engineer.

11. Record the operation in the Oil Record Book (ORB) with entries made by the chief engineer, operating officer, and the master, all of whom should sign the record.

Operating an oily water separator demands strict adherence to these procedures to minimize the risk of marine pollution and maintain compliance with regulations. Despite the presence of a "How to Operate?" guide near the oily water separator, these points should always be kept in mind and followed to prevent any errors.

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