Procedures for Sampling and verification of the Sulphur content of Fuel Oil 25.06.2023 01:48All ships must designate the already installed sampling point as the ‘In-use fuel oil sampling point’ or install a new sampling point and designate it as the ‘In-use fuel oil sampling point’ after the effective date of the amendment of the convention (1. April. 2022).
The type of Fuel oil samplings on board are classified into three categories:
(1) In-use sample: a sample taken from fuel oil used in ship
(2) On board sample: a sample of fuel oil intended to be used or carried for use
onboard that ship
(3) MARPOL delivered sample: a sample collected during bunkering and delivered to the
ship along with a Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)
Fuel oil sampling points to be used should fulfil all of the following conditions:
.1 be easily and safely accessible;
.2 take into account different fuel oil grades being used for the fuel oil combustion machinery item;
.3 be downstream of the in-use fuel oil service tank;
.4 be as close to the fuel oil combustion machinery as safely feasible taking into account the type of fuel oil, flow-rate, temperature, and pressure behind the selected sampling point;
.5 be clearly marked for easy identification and described in either the piping diagram or other relevant documents;
.6 each sampling point should be located in a position shielded from any heated surface or electrical equipment and the shielding device or construction should be sturdy enough to endure leaks, splashes or spray under design pressure of the fuel oil supply line so as to preclude impingement of fuel oil onto such surface or equipment; and
.7 the sampling arrangement should be provided with suitable drainage to the drain tank or other safe location.
The fuel oil sample should be taken when a steady flow is established in the fuel oil circulating system. The sampling connection should be thoroughly flushed through with the fuel oil in use prior to drawing the sample. The sample or samples should be collected in a sampling container or containers and should be representative of the fuel oil being used. The sample bottles should be sealed by the inspector with a unique means of identification installed in the presence of the ship's representative. The ship should be given the option of retaining a sample.
The label should include the following information:
.1 sampling point location where the sample was drawn;
.2 date and port of sampling;
.3 name and IMO number of the ship;
.4 details of seal identification; and
.5 signatures and names of the inspector and the ship's representative.
