Web Alert: Increase in PSC detentions due to defective sewage treatment plant

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a circular (no. 5 of 2019) highlighting increase in Port State Control (PSC) detentions experienced by Singapore ships due to defects relating to the ship’s sewage treatment plant.

The attached shipping circular provides reference to the following IMO guidelines: 

1. 2012 Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants. These guidelines would apply to sewage treatment plants installed on or after 1 January 2016 on ships other than passenger ships in all areas, and on passenger ships outside MARPOL Annex IV special areas.
    
2. Revised Guidelines on Implementation of Effluent Standards and Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants. These guidelines apply to sewage treatment plants installed prior to 1 January 2016 and on or after 1 January 2010, on ships other than passenger ships operating in MARPOL Annex IV special area.
    
3. Recommendation on International Effluent Standards and Guidelines for Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants. This would apply to sewage treatment plants installed prior to 1 January 2010 on ships other than passenger ships operating in MARPOL Annex IV special areas.

Shipboard sewage treatment plant/system shall perform in accordance MARPOL Annex IV/Reg 9. Members are recommended to ensure that their ships’ staff are familiar and well-trained in the operation and maintenance of this equipment.
 
For more guidance, members are recommended to refer to the club’s article on MARPOL Annex IV which can be found in the attachment on the right.

Categories: Loss Prevention, Pollution