MEPC 60(33) is Resolution MEPC.60(33) adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 30 October 1992, concerning GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR POLLUTION PREVENTION EQUIPMENT FOR MACHINERY SPACE BILGES OF SHIPS.
Essentially, this resolution outlines the standards and specifications for equipment used to prevent pollution from oily bilge water discharged from ships' machinery spaces. It aims to minimize the discharge of oil into the marine environment, a key objective of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
The guidelines and specifications detailed in MEPC 60(33) address key aspects such as:
- Oil filtering equipment: Performance standards, testing procedures, and installation requirements for oil filtering equipment designed to separate oil from bilge water. This includes specifications for the maximum oil content allowed in the discharged water.
- Oil content monitors (OCMs): Requirements for OCMs used to continuously monitor the oil content of bilge water before discharge. These requirements cover accuracy, reliability, and alarm systems.
- Alarm and shut-down arrangements: Specifications for alarm systems that alert the crew when the oil content of the discharged water exceeds permissible limits, as well as automatic shut-down mechanisms to prevent illegal discharges.
These guidelines are crucial for ensuring that ships are equipped with effective pollution prevention measures and that oily discharges are minimized, contributing to a cleaner marine environment. Subsequent resolutions and amendments have updated and superseded parts of MEPC 60(33), but it remains a foundational document in the area of marine pollution prevention.
