The services Mr. Marine provides for ODME:
ODME (Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment) is an essential monitoring system used in the maritime industry to monitor the discharge of oil and other pollutants into water. It is mandated by the international regulation MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), which requires all ships of a certain size to have ODME installed.
Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) is a device used to measure and monitor the discharge of oily water from ships. Usually, the oil tankers have to take ballast water from the sea for higher stability after they discharge the crude oil cargo at the destination port. Before the next loading, this ballast water has to be discharged into the sea. In this scenario, ODME contributes to ensuring the oil discharge is within the admissible limits and preventing the pollution of water, complying with the requirements of various regulations.
ODME controls the discharge through two valves: slop and overboard. These valves have opposite positions: if one valve is open, the other valve is closed. They are never open or close together!
To measure the Instantaneous Rate of Discharge, we need three values: (1) oil content in PPM, (2) flow rate in cubic meters, and (3) speed in knots. The computing unit of ODME presents all these values in the cargo control room. If the instantaneous rate of discharge of oil content does not exceed 30 litres per nautical mile and the total quantity of oil discharged into the sea does not exceed 1/30,000 of the total quantity of the particular cargo of which the residue formed a part, then the overboard valve opens and allows the discharge of water. When the values are not within the admissible range, the overboard valve closes and the slop tank valve opens, ensuring compliance with MARPOL Annex 1 regulations.
MARPOL Regulation (Annex 1) states that “oil tankers of 150 gross tonnages and above shall be equipped with an oil discharge monitoring and control system approved by the Administration”. The same chapter posits that “The system shall be fitted with a recording device to provide a continuous record of the discharge in litres per nautical mile and total quantity discharged, or the oil content and rate of discharge. This record shall be identifiable as to time and date and shall be kept for at least three years”. A proper oil record book should be maintained to keep track of all oil discharge activities.
Important Discharge Rules
ODME is an essential element of a vessel’s (especially oil tankers) environmental management system. Regular maintenance and calibration are necessary to ensure that the system is accurate and reliable. Failure to comply with Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment regulations can result in heavy fines, detention of the ship, or even criminal prosecution. It is required for tankers to sail with an active ODME according to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) resolutions. Having a valid certificate of compliance is crucial for all tankers to operate legally.
Our technicians can install and commission your ODME to ensure it corresponds with the industry regulations and vessel specifications. We can install and commission different brands of Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems, such as Rivertrace. Mr. Marine’s expert team will ensure your system is operating optimally to confirm the accuracy of the readings. We also offer remote support to address any installation or commissioning challenges. For new tankers, meeting these installation requirements is essential for obtaining their initial certification.
It is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections of your ODME system. Our team provides routine maintenance and inspection services to detect any problems that threaten the normal operation of the system, replace non-functional components (oil content meter, flow meter), and ensure the Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment is operating within the standards at every point in time. These actions contribute to reducing the malfunction of your discharge system and downtime while facilitating compliance with the latest regulations (e.g., resolution MEPC, MARPOL Annex 1). Having the correct spare parts on hand is crucial for minimizing any potential downtime during these maintenance checks.
To ensure the accurate measurement of your Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment system, Mr. Marine Instruments & Controls performs annual calibrations. Our certified technicians thoroughly test any brand of ODME to confirm its accuracy and alignment with regulatory norms. A calibration certificate is issued after each successful calibration, ensuring your vessel meets the requirements for oil discharge monitoring. Regular testing also helps in maintaining the accuracy of oil content measurements in the ballast water discharge process.
Our technicians can support you with the repairs and upgrades of your ODME. We can provide optimal and prompt solutions for any brand of Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment, integrating Rivertrace. Our team uses genuine manufacturer spare parts and implements high-level practices to increase the lifetime of your system and ensure compliance with the applicable regulation. We also carry spare parts for various ODME systems to minimize downtime during repairs. For older tankers, upgrades may be necessary to meet current MEPC resolution requirements and other international regulations.
Our team promotes knowledge development among the clients to operate and manage their Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems efficiently. We provide training sessions and ongoing support to ensure you have an understanding of the operation, risk mitigation, and essential actions for the ODME’s normal functioning according to the latest regulation. Our onboard vessel services increase the knowledge of your team and prevent the potential of any harmful discharge. Additionally, we offer remote support to assist with any immediate concerns regarding ODME operations and compliance with regulations. Training also includes familiarization with the oil record book and proper documentation practices, crucial for all crew members handling the ODME.
Mr. Marine Instruments & Controls is your reliable partner to install, calibrate, certify, repair and maintain the following products:
Our technicians are available in 150+ global ports 24/7 to ensure the safety and compliance of your vessels (oil tankers). Contact our team to book your service in your next port of call or fill in the form below for a quote.
Mr. Marine is also your partner for marine elevator and ballast water treatment services. Our team ensures that your ballast unit operates optimally to reduce the spread of invasive species. The ballast water treatment system is a mandatory element onboard that facilitates the discharge of ballast water (fresh water, seawater) within the admissible norms to avoid damage to the marine environment.
Our team is at your disposal 24/7, 365 days a year.
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Mr. Marine is a global maritime service company. Our multi-brand expert team is committed to keeping vessels safe and compliant, anywhere in the world. With technical know-how, 24/7 responsiveness, and unparalleled spare part sourcing we are your global beacon.
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