DRAFT, needs technical review. Not for publication. The title is our own wording, not the official Paris MoU text.
PSC deficiency code 14102: Retention of oil on board and sludge management
| Category | MARPOL Annex I (pollution prevention) |
| Related certificate | International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) |
| Main references | MARPOL Annex I Reg. 12–14 |
| 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
- Sludge tank levels near capacity without disposal plan
- Oily water in bilges not transferred to designated tank
- Save-alls and drip trays missing under machinery
- Incinerator or shore disposal records missing
- Improvised hoses for oily waste transfer
Typical root causes
- Delayed sludge barge in port
- Separation equipment not used habitually
- Poor housekeeping in engine room
- ORB entries not matching tank soundings
Corrective action (example)
Transfer oily waste to correct tanks; arrange disposal; restore save-alls; reconcile ORB with sounding log.
Preventive action (example)
Set sludge tank alarm limits in PMS; superintendent review of ORB each port call.
Evidence to attach for close-out
- Sounding log
- Disposal receipt
- ORB pages
- Photos of restored save-alls
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.