IOPP survey

Answer

IOPP = International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate.

The IOPP Survey ensures compliance with MARPOL Annex I (Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil).

Upon successful completion of the survey, an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate is issued, supplemented by Form A (for non-tankers) or Form B (for oil tankers).

Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification, the IOPP certification regime includes:

• Initial Survey: Before the ship is put into service or before the certificate is issued for the first time.
• Annual Survey: Within ± 3 months of each anniversary date of the certificate.
• Intermediate Survey: Within ±3 months before or after the 2nd or 3rd anniversary date (replaces one annual survey).
• Renewal Survey: Conducted at 5-year intervals to reissue the IOPP Certificate.
• Additional Survey: Required after significant repairs, structural alterations, or equipment replacements resulting from damage.

Chief Engineer's Checklist for IOPP Survey

1. 15 PPM Oily Water Separator (OWS) & 15 PPM Alarm

• Verify 15 PPM Bilge Alarm calibration certificate (valid for 5 years per MEPC.107(49)).
• Test the auto-stop device / 3-way valve system: Inject clean water / high-turbidity sample to trigger the alarm (> 15 ppm) and verify the 3-way valve immediately diverts flow back to the bilge holding tank.
• Ensure sample line contains clean water flushing arrangements and is free of oil contamination/bypass taps.
• Inspect anti-tampering seals on memory recorder units.

2. Oil Record Book (ORB Part I & Part II)

• ORB Part I (Machinery Space Operations): Cross-check entries against engine room logbook, soundings log, and OWS memory data (Code C, D, E, F, G, H entries).
• Verify zero discrepancies between recorded sludge volumes, incinerator burning hours, and ashore reception facility receipts.
• ORB Part II (Cargo/Ballast Operations - Tankers): Verify ODME records and cargo tank washing logs.

3. Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control System (ODME) - Tankers

• Test flow meters, oil content meters, computing units, and ship speed/GPS inputs.
• Confirm automatic overboard valve shut-off triggers when discharge exceeds 30 liters per nautical mile or total quantity exceeds 1/30,000 of total cargo volume (for new tankers).

4. Sludge, Bilge & Fuel Systems Isolation

• Verify sludge pump discharge piping leads only to the standard discharge connection or incinerator/boiler sludge burners—no connection to overboard lines.
• Inspect standard discharge connection dimensions (flange thickness, bolt holes, gaskets according to MARPOL Annex I Reg. 13).

Direct Comparison: Form A vs. Form B