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• Republic of Marshall Islands has issued Marine Safety Advisory no. 08-17 (copy attached) on low sulphur (0.10%) fuel oil testing providing guidance on Emission Control Areas and experience of Administration.

• Salient points of the notice:

1. Testing for Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) compliance in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI becoming increasingly prevalent in ECAs in United States and European Union. USCG and EU member states are pursuing strict enforcement of same.                                                           

2. As per IMO circular MEPC.1/Circ.84,the on-board representative sample(s) should be obtained from a designated sampling point or points as agreed by the Administration.

3. Based on reports received related to LSMGO testing issues, administration has recommended that vessel operators and Masters to have fuel oil sampling plan in place for onboard sample.

4. The plan should ensure that fuel oil be sampled or taken from a point that is carefully considered by the Master and crew; where the risk of contamination from other fuels and sediments is extremely unlikely in order to provide an accurate sample for LSMGO testing.

5. The plan should also address the ship’s representative (i.e., Master) retaining and securing of the one (1) spot sampling container that is given to him or her under Article 6 of EU Decision 2015/253.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above

Enclosure:

1. RMI Marine Safety Advisory reg. Low Sulphur (0.10%) Fuel Oil Testing Guidance.

Disclaimer:

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