Page 12 - Thome Group News Issue 45

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTEngine RoomWasteManagementBy Bindu Shekhar Jha, Environmental Compliance ManagerEngine Room (ER) waste management is covered by the MARPOL Convention and the Thome Group has developed an Environment Compliance Program which includes ER Waste Management as a central part of the environmental issues that need to be dealt with in a responsible manner. Responsible waste management is nothing new but the manner of disposal has changed over the years as environmental issueshave been brought intosharper focus.Vessels deliberately flouting the rules will be found outas the authorities have a variety of ways to monitor violations:• Port Visits by PSC & Review of ORB/ OCM data Logger/ ER Piping/ Tags– Seals verification etc• Crew Interviews• Whistle Blowers• Satellite Monitoring• Sounding records• Mystery Spill InvestigationsWaste generated in the engine room such as sludge, bilge and waste from various drains have to be disposed of in the appropriate way using approved systems.This requires an immediate mind-set shift from all of us (both ship and shore) to prioritize these MARPOL compliance requirements.Fines for non-compliance are largeand the associated damage to a company’s reputation are serious which is whyThome takes its responsibilities under MARPOL compliance very seriously. The Environmental Compliance Program and Team are there to assist in bridging gapsin knowledge and understanding. The team can help with gap analysis and perform audits on vessels to determine any non-compliance issues which need to be resolved.12 | ISSUE 47 | DECEMBER 2016