DRAFT, needs technical review. Not for publication. The title is our own wording, not the official Paris MoU text.
PSC deficiency code 14101: Control of oil discharge from machinery and cargo areas
| Category | MARPOL Annex I (pollution prevention) |
| Related certificate | International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) |
| Main references | MARPOL Annex I Reg. 15 (machinery spaces), Reg. 34 (cargo area, tankers), Regs 17 and 36 (oil record book) |
| Typical action codes | 17 (rectify before departure), 30 (detainable) if serious |
| Commonly detainable? | Can be, depending on severity (no statistics claimed) |
What PSC officers look for
- Overboard discharge from machinery spaces above permitted limits (Reg. 15)
- Cargo-area discharge or monitoring not in line with Reg. 34 on tankers
- 15 ppm or monitoring arrangements not functioning where required
- Oily sheen or residue at overboard discharge points
- Oil record book entries not supporting stated discharge or retention
Typical root causes
- OWS or monitoring equipment not maintained
- Valve lineup errors after maintenance
- ORB not reconciled with tank soundings
- Crew unclear on zero-discharge and permitted discharge criteria
Corrective action (example)
Stop any illegal discharge; restore monitoring and securing of overboard valves; investigate sheen; correct and reconcile ORB entries; brief officers on Reg. 15 and Reg. 34 limits.
Preventive action (example)
Monthly OWS and monitor tests; two-officer verification before any overboard operation; superintendent ORB review each port call.
Evidence to attach for close-out
- Checklist signed
- ORB entries
- Valve photo
- Briefing attendance sheet
Related
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Official code list: Paris MoU, List of Deficiency Codes (1 July 2026). Action codes: Paris MoU, Inspection outcome. Reviewed by: _pending_ · Review date: _pending_ This page is general guidance, not legal, flag or class advice. Always follow the PSC officer's instructions and your flag and class requirements.