MARENV Quiz 4

What is the primary purpose of an Oil-Water Separator (OWS) on a ship?

• To monitor the ship's oil levels

• To separate oil from bilge water before discharge

• To measure the ship's fuel efficiency

• To filter potable water for crew consumption

Under MARPOL Annex I, what is the maximum oil content allowed in discharged bilge water when using an OWS?

• 5 ppm

• 10 ppm

• 15 ppm

• 20 ppm

Which component of the OWS is responsible for removing physical impurities before fine filtration?

• Oil Content Monitor

• Filter Unit

• Separator Unit

• Control Unit

What should be done if the Oil Content Monitor (OCM) detects an oil content higher than 15 ppm?

• Discharge the water immediately

• Continue operating as usual

• Sound an alarm and divert discharge to the sludge tank

• Shut down the OWS

Why must the OCM be tamper-proof according to MARPOL regulations?

• To prevent unauthorized adjustments that could lead to illegal discharges

• To ensure easy access for maintenance

• To comply with international security regulations

• To allow manual control during emergencies

Which of the following is a critical requirement for the operation of an OWS as per MEPC 107(49)?

• Continuous monitoring of water temperature

• Certification by an authorized organization

• Automated sludge tank discharge

• Regular replacement of OWS filters

What role does the coalescer stage in the filter unit of an OWS play?

• Separates physical debris from the water

• Heats the water for better separation

• Induces coalescence to form larger oil droplets

• Filters out remaining impurities

What action is required if the oil content in the discharge exceeds the legal limit?

• Notify the port state control

• Increase the discharge rate to dilute the oil content

• Cease overboard discharge and perform maintenance

• Replace the entire OWS system

What is the function of the 3-way solenoid valve in an OWS system?

• Controls the flow rate of the bilge pump

• Diverts discharge to the appropriate outlet based on OCM readings

• Monitors the temperature of the bilge water

• Separates oil from water in the initial stage

Which segment of the OWS system discharges separated oil into the sludge tank?

• The filter unit

• The separator unit

• The control unit

• The OCM