Oil Record Book

The Oil Record Book is an official document used to record all operations involving oil or oily mixtures on board a ship. Key features include:

1. Chronological entries of oil-related operations

2. Details of ballasting and cleaning of oil fuel tanks

3. Disposal of oily residues and bilge water

4. Bunkering operations (taking on fuel)

5. Accidental or exceptional discharges of oil

This document is used to comply with MARPOL Annex I regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil from ships. It provides a comprehensive record of all oil handling activities, serving as evidence of the ship’s adherence to environmental regulations. The Oil Record Book is crucial for preventing and monitoring marine pollution by ensuring proper management of oil and oily mixtures on board. It is typically divided into two parts: Part I for machinery space operations (applicable to all ships) and Part II for cargo/ballast operations (applicable to oil tankers). The book must be kept on board and be readily available for inspection by port state control officers or other authorized personnel. Regular and accurate entries in the Oil Record Book are mandatory and help demonstrate the ship’s compliance with discharge regulations. In case of oil spills or pollution incidents, the Oil Record Book serves as a key piece of evidence in investigations and potential legal proceedings. Overall, the Oil Record Book plays a vital role in the maritime industry’s efforts to protect the marine environment from oil pollution.