IMO PROMOTION OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF MARPOL 73/78 AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION E IMO MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE 53rd session Agenda item 16 MEPC 53/16 16 March 2005 Original: ENGLISH PROMOTION OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF MARPOL 73/78 AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS Guidelines for the operation, inspection and maintenance of ship sewage systems Note by the Secretariat Executive summary: Action to be taken: Paragraph 9 Related document: SUMMARY This document provides information on the Guidelines for the operation, inspection and maintenance of ship sewage systems approved by the Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-third session (16 to 25 May 1994) and circulated by means of MSC/Circ.648. MSC/Circ.648 Introduction 1 MARPOL Annex IV - Regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships - entered into force on 27 September The Committee, at its fifty-first session, adopted by resolution MEPC.115(51), the revised Annex IV which will enter into force on 1 August In accordance with regulation 9 of the revised Annex IV every ship, which is required to comply with the provisions of this Annex, shall be equipped with a sewage system (a sewage treatment plant or a sewage comminuting and disinfecting system or a holding tank). Guidelines for the operation, inspection and maintenance of ship sewage systems 4 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-third session (16 to 25 May 1994), approved the Guidelines for the operation, inspection and maintenance of ship sewage systems, which were circulated by means of MSC/Circ This followed an incident on a passenger/vehicle ferry which led to the tragic loss of life of two children. The investigation into this incident revealed several unsatisfactory aspects and highlighted the potential dangers associated with the operation of sewage systems on board ships if they are not installed, operated and maintained properly. For reasons of economy, this document is printed in a limited number. Delegates are kindly asked to bring their copies to meetings and not to request additional copies.

2 - 2-6 The aforementioned Guidelines had been developed with the aim of promoting uniform standards in relation to the examination of the installation, routine inspection and regular maintenance of the sewage systems, to ensure safe operation at all times. MSC 63 drew the attention of Administrations and the industry to the recommendations contained in the Guidelines and Member Governments were invited to apply them on all ships flying the flag of their State. 7 For easy reference, a copy of MSC/Circ.648 is set out at the annex. Survey guidelines under HSSC for the revised Annex IV 8 The Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation, at its thirteenth session, noted that the survey and certification requirements of the revised MARPOL Annex IV had been developed in accordance with the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), with the exception that no annual nor intermediate surveys were required, and agreed to the need to develop, in the future, survey guidelines under HSSC for the revised Annex IV. Action requested of the Committee 9 The Committee is invited to note this information, considering, in particular, whether the provisions of MSC/Circ.648, should be taken into account in the future development of survey guidelines under HSSC for the revised Annex IV, and take action as appropriate. ***

3 Ref. T4/3.03 MSC/Circ June 1994 GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SHIP SEWAGE SYSTEMS 1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-first session (7-11 December 1992), instructed the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment to include an item on standards for the design and construction of sewage systems on ships in the Sub-Committee's work programme. 2 This follows an incident on a passenger/vehicle ferry which led to the tragic loss of life of two children. The investigation into this incident revealed several unsatisfactory aspects and highlighted the potential dangers associated with the operation of sewage systems on board ships if they are not installed, operated and maintained properly. 3 The installation, operation and maintenance of sewage systems on ships is not currently provided for in any of the international conventions. Against this background and in consideration of the action taken by the Irish and the United Kingdom Governments, the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment, at its thirty-seventh session, developed guidelines to promote uniform standards in relation to the examination of the installation, routine inspection and regular maintenance of these systems, to ensure safe operation at all times. The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-third session (16 to 25 May 1994), approved the guidelines, set out at annex to the present circular. 4 The attention of Administrations and the industry is drawn to the recommendations contained in the guidelines and Member Governments are invited to apply them on all ships flying the flag of their State. ***

4 Page 2 GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SHIP SEWAGE SYSTEMS Introduction 1 These guidelines apply to all ships. It is recommended that shipowners, masters and crew members should examine the sewage systems installed in their vessels, to consider the potential risks of sewage gases gaining access to working and living spaces. Background 2 Different systems for the disposal of sewage may be found on ships and the following is a brief summary of the systems likely to be found on board:.1 Discharges from the toilet bowls into common sewage mains which are led to the ship's side and overboard through storm valves..2 Discharges to collecting and storage tanks, with or without aeration facilities, in which the sewage is retained for disposal ashore or at sea..3 Sewage treatment systems incorporating a combination of collecting and treatment tanks, with processes designed to break down the sewage into effluent suitable for discharge into the sea without harmful effects..4 Vacuum collecting systems where sewage, air and water are drawn through piping to the holding/treatment tanks. 3 Sewage flushed from the toilet bowls enters the sewage mains and storage tanks where it is broken down by naturally occurring bacteria. This is an aerobic process which strips oxygen from the water, producing more water, carbon dioxide and new bacteria. If insufficient oxygen is present, alternative bacteria become dominant and the process becomes anaerobic with the production of gases, including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia, etc. These gases have highly toxic and flammable properties, in particular hydrogen sulphide is toxic to humans in concentrations as low as 10 parts per million and its flammable vapours are heavier than air so that potentially lethal pockets of gas may accumulate in enclosed spaces. Safety parameters 4 The generation of toxic and explosive gases in the event of anaerobic conditions is present to varying degrees in each system. It is evident from the foregoing that anaerobic conditions in sewage systems leading to the production of toxic and flammable gases is an unacceptable hazard within the confined boundaries of a ship.

5 Page 3 5 In general sewage systems should be of a design which will avoid the problems outlined in these guidelines. The primary safety features should be incorporated in the design and operation of a sewage system and the barriers between the sewage gases such as water traps of the toilet bowls, ventilation of the pipework and tanks should only be considered a secondary means of protection. The primary objective should be the prevention of the production of hazardous gases within the systems. Storage and treatment tanks 6 Sewage may be collected into storage tanks, either for holding prior to transfer to a treatment unit, or for later discharge. Any tank used for holding sewage is a potential source of anaerobic activity, and the resultant production of toxic and flammable gas. The design of a tank may include features to maintain an adequate oxygen level in the liquid, thereby eliminating anaerobic conditions. This may be achieved by direct air injection, or by air entrainment into the liquid whilst pumping through an ejector nozzle, etc. 7 When not equipped with an active aeration feature, the conditions within the storage tanks should be especially monitored. These tanks should be completely emptied and flushed through at intervals which will ensure that satisfactory conditions are maintained. The design and configuration of such tanks should be such as to facilitate the effective drainage and flushing of the tanks. 8 Treatment systems may use the aerobic digestion process, or may use other means to purify the effluent. The manufacturers recommendations for the operation and maintenance should be followed to ensure satisfactory operation at all times. All tanks and associated systems should be subjected to a thorough inspection at least every year or whenever unsatisfactory conditions are detected. Such inspections should include the following:.1 Removal of tank inspection covers, and the cleaning out of any deposits, paying particular attention to areas behind internal tank divisions..2 Inspections of the tank structure, internal divisions, pipework, etc..3 Checking of sensing instruments, level measuring devices and valves..4 Confirmation that air distribution systems are free from leaks and any nozzles or diffuser elements used to introduce air are in satisfactory condition..5 Checking that any internal systems used to transfer tank contents are in a satisfactory condition..6 Inspecting air blowers to check discharge pressure is within allowable limits..7 It is recommended that any alarms fitted to air blower systems operate on sensing of unsatisfactory air pressure rather than only monitoring the fans and their prime movers.

6 Page 4 Tank ventilation arrangements 9 Ventilation pipes to collection, storage and treatment tanks should be in good condition, clear from internal obstruction, and of adequate size to minimize pressure drop and to ensure satisfactory clearance of gases. The size of the vent pipes should also be sufficient to vent any air from blowers or from vacuum collection system discharges. Ventilation pipes should be arranged to be self-draining at all angles of heel and trim, to eliminate any water traps that may otherwise form and cause blockage. Such pipes should not terminate in areas to which personnel have frequent access and should be clear of any sources of ignition. Any flame gauze or other fittings on the vent terminal should be checked for cleanliness. Toilets, showers, washbasins, etc. 10 Check all drain pipes for satisfactory water/gas tightness and adequate water seals and traps to prevent backflow of sewage gases into the toilet compartments. Check that all sanitary fittings are securely fastened to prevent relative movement at pipe joints. Toilet bowls incorporate a water trap and are often fitted with vacuum breaking arrangements at the back of the trap such as individual air pipes or patented backflow prevention valves. Such items should be checked for satisfactory condition and operation. There should be an adequate supply of flushing water to clear the toilet bowl and to replenish the water seal. Drainage and ventilation pipe systems 11 Check that drains and their air vents are clear of obstruction and are in sound water/gas tight condition throughout their length and are self-draining at all expected angles of heel or trim. Adequate air vents should be fitted to the piping network, paying special attention to the extremities of the system. These should ensure an adequate supply of air and obviate any tendency for plugs of water to form within the system, tending to syphon or create vacuums thus removing water seals, when moving through the pipes especially under the action of violent rolling or pitching. Accommodation ventilation arrangements 12 Particular attention should be paid to the exhaust and supply systems in toilet and washing areas. Ventilation systems to all compartments of a ship should be designed, installed and balanced to ensure satisfactory distribution of air. They should be maintained in a clean and efficient condition to achieve the designed air changes throughout the service life of the vessel. In general, attention should be paid to the following:.1 Examination of extraction grills, louvres, ducts, etc., in order to ensure that they are clean and free of accumulations of dirt, fluff, etc..2 Checking the adjustment of extraction louvres or cones to ensure an even extraction rate from all spaces. However, when satisfactorily adjusted, there should be no interference with these units as the adjustment of one unit can seriously affect the rate of extraction through other units. The design of these fittings should be such that they are not capable of manual adjustment without the use of special tools or equipment. Ensure that extraction units are never blocked off for any reason.

7 Page 5.3 Ensuring that air extraction from alleyways is operating efficiently and that essential air-gaps under cabin doors, etc., have not been blocked off..4 Ensuring that the forced ventilation of cabin spaces is operating efficiently..5 Inspecting the associated elements of ventilation systems, including:.5.1 Fans: Checking the direction of rotation, condition of impellers, etc..5.2 Flaps and dampers: Ensuring that they have not become detached from the operating mechanisms and that they are actually open when indicating open..5.3 Goosenecks and vents: Ensuring that they are clear of any obstructions, that grilles or meshes are not painted over, etc..5.4 Piping or ducting: Ensuring that these are intact and free from leaks throughout their length, especially where they pass through accommodation areas. Operational aspects 13 The use of large quantities of disinfectant toilet cleaners may destroy the bacteria which are essential to the operation of aerobic sewage treatment plants. The manufacturers recommendations should be followed in relation to the type and quantities of cleaners to be used. 14 All officers and crew should be informed of the dangers of sewage gases being generated and finding their way into working and living spaces. Their attention should be drawn to the hazards identified in these guidelines. There should be an operational procedure on board ship for reporting and recording the inspection and maintenance of sewage systems and the action taken to deal with complaints of foul or musty smells which may be due to toxic, flammable or oxygen-depleted gases. Communications 15 The contents of these guidelines should be brought to the attention of all shipboard personnel engaged in the day-to-day operation of vessels to ensure they are fully understood. This is particularly important where multi-lingual crews are employed. 16 The attention of all personnel engaged in maintenance work on sewage systems should be drawn to the hazards of encountering oxygen-depleted, toxic and flammable gases when entering sewage tanks or working on the system. Appropriate safety procedures should be observed before entering enclosed, hazardous or suspect spaces.