Regulations

Question 1

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)

Answer 1

This comes under SOLAS CHAPTER 2

LOLER applies to:
• Chain blocks
• Cranes
• Slings and shackles
• Overhead rails / monorails
• Engine-room lifting beams

It ensures:
• Equipment is strong enough
• SWL is marked
• Equipment is certified and tested
• Lifts are planned and supervised
• Risk of injury is minimised

For example a chain block, a hard hat must be worn at all times, the work should be carried out by a competent person. The chain block should be LOAD TESTED every 12 months, this includes being load tested to 1.25 x SWL, refer to the test certificate to ensure it has been done as proof. a visual inspection of the chain block must be done prior to using it to ensure no defects/corrosion. Also ensure the Safe Working Load (SWL) is marked clearly.
* As a safety procedure you can conduct a small test load to ensure the chain block is operating smoothly and prevent shock loading, this can be done using a tool box or something along those lines as long as it’s well below the Safe working load (SWL)

Question 2

Authorised and competent person

Answer 2

“Authorised person“ means a person authorised by the employer, the master of the ship or a responsible person to undertake a specific task or tasks and possessing necessary technical knowledge and experience for undertaking the task or tasks.

Authorised person“ means a person appointed by the employer, the master of the ship, the owner of the gear or port authorities, as the case may be, to be responsible for the performance of a specific duty or duties and who has sufficient knowledge and experience and the requisite authority for the proper performance of the duty or duties.

Question 3

Difference between ORB part 1 & 2

Answer 3

ORB part 1 must be on all ships over 400GT & tankers over 150GT must carry 1 & 2

ORB Part I covers:
• Machinery space operations
• Bilge discharge
• Sludge handling
• Bunkering
• OWS operation
• Accidental discharges

ORB Part II (tankers only):
• Cargo loading/discharging
• Cargo tank cleaning
• Ballasting/deballasting
• COW
• Slop tank operations

Question 4

What would you do in the event of the OWS failing

Answer 4

If OWS malfunctions:
• Stop discharge immediately
• Record in ORB under appropriate code (usually Code F – failures)
• Record:
• Date & time
• Position
• Nature of malfunction
• Action taken
• Inform Chief Engineer
• Repair ASAP

Question 5

MARPOL ANNEX 2 - Control of Noxious liquid in bulk

Answer 5

• Ships carrying Noxious liquid substances should hold an NLS certificate

• A cargo record book must be onboard, entries include: Loading of cargo, tank washing, disposal ashore, discharge operations.

• Noxious liquid are split into 4 catagories:
1) X - Major hazard (Strictly no discharge)
2) Y - Moderate hazard ( discharge restricted to qualify &quantity)
3) Z - Low hazard (less discharge restrictions)
4) Other substances (OS) - no hazard

Discharge criteria: No less than 12 nautical miles from shore, discharges must be be via underwater discharge outlets in a depth of water no less than 25 meters, no discharge in Antarctic.

Question 6

Flag state v Port state

Answer 6

📌Flag State
• The country where a ship is registered.
Flag state is responsible to ensure ships comply with international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, etc.) to enforce safety, environmental protection and ensure crew have valid certification

• Flag state carry out inspections and certify ships – regardless of where the ship sails.

Example: A ship flying the Panamanian flag means it must follow international maritime conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW ….) through Panama’s authority.

📌Port State
The country whose port the ship visits.
Port State authorities can inspect foreign vessels to ensure they meet international safety and environmental standards.

Example: Holland can inspect any foreign ship that enters Rotterdam port. This is to verify that the vessel complies with international rules & regs.

📍Why is this important?
✅Ensures safe and secure shipping
✅ Prevents marine pollution
✅ Protects seafarers’ rights
✅ Keeps poor-quality ships out of global waters

Question 7

M Notices

Answer 7

• Merchant shipping notices (MSN) - these provide mandatory information that must be complied with under uk legislation.

• Marine Guidance notes (MGN) - To provide information & advice relating to the improvement of safety of shipping and life at sea.

• Marine Information notes (MIN) - To provide temporary information, relating to MCA exams, such as the Engineering oral syllabus MIN654

Question 8

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

Answer 8

Sets global standards for training and certifying seafarers

Question 9

Marpol annex 5 - what operations go in the garbage record book

Answer 9

• All discharge (sea, shore, incineration)
• Accidental discharge
• Start/ stop times of incinerator

Question 10

Marpol annex certificates

Answer 10

Annex 1 - IOPP (international Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, to show compliance with discharge requirements, oil filtering equipment, ORB entries. Valid for 5 years.

Annex 2 - NLS certificate

Annex 3 - N/A

Annex 4 - ISPP (International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate)

Annex 5 - N/A

Annex 6 - IAPP (International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate)
- EIAPP (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate)
- IEEC (International Energy Efficiency Certificate)

Question 11

MARPOL Annex 4 discharge requirements

Answer 11

1. Untreated sewage

👉 Allowed ONLY if:
• Ship is en route
• Discharge is ≥ 12 nautical miles from nearest land

2. Comminuted and disinfected sewage

👉 Allowed if:
• Sewage is:
• Macerated (ground)
• Disinfected
• Discharged through an approved system

📍 Distance:
• ≥ 3 nautical miles from nearest land

3. Treated sewage (sewage treatment plant)

👉 Allowed if:
• Using an approved sewage treatment plant

Conditions:
• No visible:
• Solids
• Discoloration

👉 Can be discharged:
• At any distance from land

Question 12

MARPOL ANNEX 5 Discharge requirements

Answer 12

• Plastics not permitted
• Outside Special Areas:
- over 3 nautical miles if comminuted
- over 12 nautical miles if not comminuted

• Inside special areas: Must be comminuted and over 12 nautical miles