Q8 (20 Marks) Statutory Certificates & Surveys 🔥 Repeated 6x in exams
SSEP • Written Exam

A vessel is due for International air Pollution Prevention Certificate renewal survey and company instructed to offer this vessel for survey at next port of call.

(a) As a 2nd Engineer officer of above-mentioned vessel, what all checks you carry out and how you prepare for the IOPP renewal survey. (10)

(b) What records, procedures, certificates etc., you will keep ready for attending surveyor verification. (10)

Appeared In: Apr 2026Oct 2025Apr 2025Jul 2024Feb 2018Mar 2026

Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)

Structured for DG Shipping MEO Class II examination scoring criteria.

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(a) Checks and Preparations for IOPP Renewal Survey

As the 2nd Engineer, the following checks and preparations will be carried out in the engine room before the IOPP renewal survey:

  1. Oil Pollution Prevention Equipment Check:
    • Ensure Oily Water Separator (OWS) and Oil Content Monitor (OCM) are in good working condition.
    • Verify calibration dates of OCM.
    • Check automatic stopping device and associated alarms.
  2. Oily Discharge Monitoring Equipment:
    • Confirm the ODME, if applicable, is functioning properly and alarm system is working.
    • Verify if any seals have been broken and record the same in the Seal Log Book.
  3. Piping and Valve Arrangements:
    • Check overboard discharge valves and associated pipelines for integrity and operability.
    • Inspect bilge pumps and related valves for proper operation.
  4. Sludge and Bilge Holding Tanks:
    • Ensure bilge holding tanks and sludge tanks are clean, operational, and gauges are functional.
    • Confirm sludge transfer and disposal systems are functional (e.g., transfer pump, piping).
  5. Standard Discharge Connection:
    • Present the standard discharge connection with the appropriate dimensions as per MARPOL.
  6. Incinerator and Other Disposal Means:
    • Ensure incinerator, auxiliary boiler, or sludge mixing system (if fitted) is operational.
    • Check relevant parameters and logs for recent operations.
  7. Pumps and Valves:
    • Inspect sludge pumps, manual discharge valves, and remote controls.
  8. Signage and Placards:
    • Ensure pollution prevention placards and operating instructions are posted near equipment.
  9. Condition of Engine Room:
    • Keep bilges clean and free from excess oil.
    • Ensure all equipment is clearly labeled and accessible for inspection.
  10. Personnel Preparedness:
  • Brief all relevant engine room personnel about the upcoming survey and responsibilities during surveyor attendance.

(b) Records, Procedures, Certificates for Surveyor’s Verification (10 Marks)

The following documents and records will be prepared and kept ready for submission to the attending surveyor:

  1. Oil Record Book (ORB) Part I:
    • Ensure all entries are up-to-date, accurate, and signed by the responsible officer and Master.
    • Highlight entries involving sludge disposal, bilge discharge, and equipment maintenance.
  2. Seal Log Book:
    • Record of any broken or replaced seals on OWS/ODME systems with valid justifications.
  3. IOPP Certificate (Existing):
    • Present the expiring IOPP certificate and Record of Construction and Equipment (Form A or B).
  4. Calibration Certificates:
    • Provide valid calibration certificates for OCM, ODME, and other related pollution prevention equipment.
  5. Maintenance Records:
    • Show planned maintenance records for bilge system, OWS, incinerator, ODME, etc.
  6. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP):
    • Ensure the latest revision is available and updated with:
      • Contact details
      • Internal and external reporting procedures
      • Action plans and drills conducted
    • Test Reports and Checklists:
      • Any recent internal test reports or checklists for oil discharge systems and equipment.
    • Incinerator Log (if applicable):
      • Record of burning oil residues with time, date, and quantity burned.
    • Crew Familiarization and Training Records:
      • Evidence that relevant personnel have been trained in operating pollution prevention equipment.
    • Class and Flag Documentation:
  • Keep ready any recent class survey reports, deficiency rectification records, and relevant correspondence with the administration or RO.
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