SINGAPORE - DEFECT OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

MPA would like to draw up attention to the increase in Port State Control (PSC) detentions experienced by Singapore ships since the beginning of 2019. In particular, it has been noticed that defects relating to the ship’s sewage treatment plant are increasingly becoming a common deficiency that cause ships to be detained by PSC.

The sewage treatment plant (MARPOL Annex IV) deficiency was featured as the second most common detainable deficiency in the Tokyo MOU for Port State Control for the year 2018.

Companies should ensure that the approved shipboard sewage treatment plant and system continue to perform in accordance regulation 9 of MARPOL Annex IV. Under the International Safety Management Code, companies are also reminded to ensure that ship staff are familiar and well-trained in the operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment plant. Routine maintenance of the system should be clearly defined by the manufacturer in the associated operation and maintenance manuals, and all routine and repair maintenance should be recorded.

In the event of PSC inspections or any external inspection, the ship engineer should be able to demonstrate that the approved sewage treatment plant meets the operational requirements referred to in regulation 9.1.1 or 9.2.1 of MARPOL Annex IV, and the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids nor cause discoloration of the surrounding water.

For further information, please refer to the attached Shipping Circular below.