Which statement about the 15 mg/L discharge limit for oil in bilge water is correct?

Which statement about the 15 mg/L discharge limit for oil in bilge water is correct?

• A. It is the maximum oil content allowed after treatment by an approved oily-water separator.
• B. It applies to ballast water only.
• C. It is the limit for domestic wastewater.
• D. It sets the limit for fuel oil viscosity.

Answer: (A)

The statement is correct because the 15 mg/L limit is the maximum oil content allowed in bilge water when it is discharged overboard after it has been treated by an approved oily-water separator. The oily-water separator removes most of the oil from the bilge water, and the resulting effluent must meet or be below 15 mg/L before discharge, with the flow monitored by an approved device or method. This limit applies specifically to bilge water, not ballast water or domestic wastewater, and it has no relation to fuel oil viscosity. The purpose is to prevent pollution from oily bilge releases by ensuring a treated effluent that is within environmental protection standards.

The statement is correct because the 15 mg/L limit is the maximum oil content allowed in bilge water when it is discharged overboard after it has been treated by an approved oily-water separator. The oily-water separator removes most of the oil from the bilge water, and the resulting effluent must meet or be below 15 mg/L before discharge, with the flow monitored by an approved device or method. This limit applies specifically to bilge water, not ballast water or domestic wastewater, and it has no relation to fuel oil viscosity. The purpose is to prevent pollution from oily bilge releases by ensuring a treated effluent that is within environmental protection standards.