Why Bilgewater Testing Is Required
Under the U.S. EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP), all “New Build” vessels built after December 19, 2013, with a gross tonnage above 400 GT, that discharge bilgewater into U.S. waters are required to perform annual bilgewater sampling and analysis.
Bilgewater testing verifies compliance with the oil content discharge limit (5 ppm) and confirms that the oily water separator (OWS) and oil content monitor (OCM) are functioning properly.
Consistent monitoring helps vessel operators avoid non-compliance penalties and ensures environmental protection through responsible discharge management.
If your vessel’s analytical results are below 5 ppm for two consecutive years, you may discontinue further annual sampling if all of the following apply:
- Your vessel uses an oily water separator (OWS) capable of meeting the 5 ppm oil and grease limit, or
an oil content monitor (OCM) and alarm system that prevents discharge above 5 ppm. - Your OCM is calibrated at least annually (survey calibration qualifies).
- Your OCM has not exceeded 5 ppm during any discharge event into regulated waters.
- The above information is recorded in the Oil Record Book — no separate recordkeeping documentation is required.
(Source: U.S. EPA Vessel General Permit, Section 2.2.2.1.2)
Bilgewater Analytical Method Details
All analyses are conducted according to EPA- and ISO-approved methods ensuring global acceptance by Port State Control (PSC), Flag Administrations, and classification societies.
| Analyte | Method | MRL | Unit | Preservation | Holding Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM (n-Hexane Extractable Material) | EPA 1664A | 5 | mg/L | Cool ≤ 6 °C, acidify (HCl or H₂SO₄ to pH < 2) | 28 days |
| Hydrocarbon Oil Index | ISO 9377-2:2000 | 0.1 | mg/L | Cool ≤ 6 °C | 4 days |
Our Service Offering
Why Choose Us?
- Deep experience supporting scrubber washwater compliance globally.
- Fast turnaround from sampling to report.
- Recognised by ship-operators, Class-societies and PSC regimes.
- Flexible service: from full boards to kit-only depending on your needs and vessel schedule.
- Transparent pricing and clear deliverables — no “hidden extras”.
Our Service Offering
📦 Sampling Kits — pre-packed with all required bottles, labels, and preservatives.
🚢 Delivery & Logistics — kits delivered to your vessel; samples returned to our accredited lab under controlled conditions.
📘 Step-by-Step Sampling Instructions — easy-to-follow guide for engineers and crew.
🔬 Accredited Laboratory Analysis — testing performed using EPA 1664A and ISO 9377-2:2000 standards.
🧾 Detailed Compliance Report — includes analytical results, method traceability, and regulatory comparison.
🗂️ Recordkeeping Support — documentation formatted for inclusion in the Oil Record Book or environmental management system.
- Ready to order a sampling kit and schedule an onboard sampling service?
- Need an annual compliance package including logistics, lab analysis and reporting for your fleet?
Contact our team to discuss .We are here to make your Bilgewater Testing reliable, documented and compliant.