Page 14 - Thome Group News Issue 45

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT PROCESSBy J. Raju, Environmental Compliance Manager, Environment Compliance DepartmentEnvironmental Compliance Audits are vital to check MARPOL Regulations Adherence.Thome has started an initiative under Environmental Compliance to ensure adherence to MARPOL Regulations for its entire fleet of vessels.Port State Authorities and Statutory bodies like Flag State Administration and Classification Societies have reinforced their emphasis on environmental protection so are targeting ships with renewed vigour.So auditors from the Environment Compliance Department, board each vessel to carry out an audit to check environmental compliance, as penalties for non-compliance are high.Audit ScheduleThe on-board audit starts with a meeting with the Captain, Chief Engineer, Chief Officer and Second Engineer. The purpose of the audit is discussed and staff are encouraged to comeup with any equipment related MARPOL compliance issues. Data is collected like Oil Record Book parts 1 and 2, Sounding Registers, Garbage log books etc.An extensive study and analysis is done after the collection of all documents. This is the most important aspect in the audit as studying these records means we can build up a pretty good picture of e.g. the sludge managementon board, the frequency in the use of oily water separators and the accumulation of bilge water, giving auditors a good idea about the house-keeping and bilge management on-board.This helps to determine what areas the auditors will want to focus on in the engine room inspection although a complete round of the engine room is carried out to check on any house- keeping issues.A complete inspection of the main deck is also carried out to check on the house-keeping and the inventory of the SOPEP equipment. The Pump Room is also checked with specific emphasis on Oil Discharge and Monitoring Equipment (ODME) sampling lines.Separate interviews are carried out with key personnel to discuss their concerns, issues and any compliance queries with MARPOL equipment.Finally, a closing meeting is carried out with senior officers and all the issues observed during the audit are discussed. A follow up is done with the vessel manager to close out all the observations.Our aim is to ensure each vessel passes all aspects inspected by any visiting authorities with regards to MARPOL compliance.14 | ISSUE 47 | DECEMBER 2016