The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued an essential amendment to its guidance on the installation, testing and correct operation of oil filtering equipment (oily water separators).
This update was issued to support compliance with resolution MEPC.107(49) under MARPOL Annex I Regulation 14.
AMSA continues to identify defective oily water separators, or systems being operated in a non-compliant manner, during port State control inspections. In some cases, crew are not familiar with correct operating procedures.
Resolution MEPC.107(49) sets the international approval standard for oil filtering equipment under MARPOL Annex I Regulation 14. It is given effect in Australian law by Marine Order 91 (Marine pollution prevention — oil) 2025.
This marine notice provides guidance on the installation, testing and correct operation of oil filtering equipment (oily water separators) to support compliance with these requirements.
What’s changed
This marine notice supersedes 2024/03 as it:
- clarifies AMSA’s expectations for testing and operating oil filtering equipment
- adds detail on sample line flow and alarm response times
- explains how port State control officers assess system performance and compliance
- highlights where non-compliance(s) with MEPC.107(49) and the ISM Code will result in deficiencies
- clarifies requirements for managing and sealing sample line valves
- reinforces that the alarm and stopping device must trigger during clean-water flushing.
Read the update online: AMSA – 202506 – Testing and inspection of oil filtering equipment
