Non-Manufacturer Recommended Chlorine Tablets Used in Waters Systems Can Hurt More Than Your Equipment

Using the correct chlorine tablets is not just a matter of equipment efficiency; it could also seriously impact your health and safety. Using the wrong tablets can produce harmful gases that not only deteriorate your equipment faster than usual but can pose a serious health risk to individuals operating the equipment or living near the system. 

A Sam's Marine Owners Forum post illustrates the importance of using only official manufacturer-recommended consumables in vessel equipment. 

In his post, Senior Forum Member Mike P tells the story of how a slight difference in chlorine tablets used in his water system not only began impacting the vessel's equipment but put him at a personal health risk, causing painful vision and respiratory symptoms.   

Why using the correct consumables for your H2O equipment is key to the operational success of your vessel.

At H2O Inc., our products are designed to exceed expectations and industry standards of enabling life on the water's surface while protecting life below the water's surface. Our design and performance standards are critical to our equipment's long life, low maintenance, and reliability. As such, consumables like chlorine tablets, bacteria, and filters are specifically designed and developed to work with H2O equipment and keep it operating in top shape over the life of your vessel. While alternatives exist, using high-quality official H2O consumables for onboard equipment is critical to maintaining and operating marine vessel equipment at ongoing peak performance levels.

MiniBOSS Bilge Water Systems: The Eco-Friendly Solution for the World's Most Environmentally-Protected Waters

The world's most luxurious cruise ships are now operating in some of the most environmentally sensitive waters around the globe. It is more important than ever that no trace of oily water is discharged overboard, which can cause significant harm to marine life and the environment. That's why the MiniBOSS bilge water systems are becoming increasingly popular on vessels operating in earth's most protected waters.

3 REASONS YOUR BOAT NEEDS A NEW MARINE SANITATION DEVICE

It's crucial to understand the environmental impact that boats can have on our oceans and waterways. Improperly managed sewage discharge from boats can introduce harmful pollutants and bacteria into our marine ecosystems, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and human health. 

The US EPA VIDA (Vessel Incidental Discharge Act) addresses this issue by establishing new regulations for managing incidental discharges from vessels, including sewage. As a responsible boat owner, it's important to ensure that your marine sanitation device (MSD) works correctly and complies with VIDA's current regulations. By doing so, you can help protect our oceans and waterways for generations to come.

2024 BOAT SEWAGE REGULATIONS: WHAT BOAT OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

Boat owners and rig operators must adhere to strict marine sanitation regulations to ensure the environment's safety and those around them. The use of marine sanitation devices is heavily regulated, and non-compliance can result in severe consequences. 

In 2024, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) will update its regulations for marine sanitation devices to align with the latest technological advancements and environmental standards. These new regulations aim to reduce the ecological impact of boating and safeguard the health of marine life. 

Marine Equipment Rental Makes Sense for Temporay Needs or Short Term Activity

One of the most essential costs every offshore operation incurs is in the area of water management. Access to fresh water and sewage treatment are necessary during these operations but can prove costly when purchasing and maintaining equipment. Additionally, biofouling control and oily water separation are required but also add to operational costs. Rental of these items can be an effective means to find cost savings during offshore operations.

Oily Water Separators Are Key to Keeping Oceans and Waterways Free From Oily Waste

Oily wastes are byproducts of all operating ocean-going vessels. Around the globe, these vessels generate millions of tons of oily waste annually. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, oily bilgewater is the mixture of water, oily fluids, lubricants, grease, cleaning fluids, and other wastes that accumulate in the lowest part of a vessel from a variety of sources, including engines (and other parts of the propulsion system), piping, and other mechanical and operational sources found throughout the machinery spaces of a vessel. 

See what size OWS system is right for your vessel with our BOSS by H2O Sizing Calculator

The Importance of the Galapagos Islands 

The Galapagos Islands are a unique and fragile ecosystem widely known for biodiversity and evolutionary research. The islands' isolation and harsh environment have led to the evolution of distinct species found nowhere else in the world. Furthermore, the Galapagos Islands have played a crucial role in developing modern evolutionary theory, and they continue to be an important site for scientific research. The collaboration of science and ecotourism requires managed conservation efforts to ensure the islands and their biodiverse ecology remain a refuge for unique animal and plant species for generations to come.

What is an oily water separator, and how does it benefit your vessel?

This type of water treatment system removes oil particles from bilge water. Oily water separators that adhere to  the IMO MEPC standards and have been specifically designed to be used in machinery space bilges of ships, making a system of this caliber an essential component of your vessel—especially if you enjoy avoiding fines.

To discharge water safely from your ship, you must comply with all maritime regulations; this is where an oily water separator comes in. For example, current maritime rules state that the oil content in discharged water must be less than 15 ppm. So to stay in compliance and avoid fines, you need a system to treat your oily bilge water to get to that standard before discharging.

Your oily water separator is an integral part of your vessel’s bilge water treatment system. Consisting of a separator unit, a filter unit, and an oil level monitoring-and-controlling unit, your separator will work to coalesce, filter, and remove impurities and oil from your bilge water. The result? You’ll be able to safely discharge water overboard as long as the oil content is within appropriate limits. 

That all sounds great, but what happens if your oily water separator malfunctions or turns faulty? At the very least, you could be at risk of breaching International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, which could, in turn, put you at risk for steep fines. Maritime regulations dictate that discharged water must have an oil content of less than 15 ppm. Your oily water separator must be working well in order to help you meet that goal and avoid getting in trouble with your local authorities. 

If you enjoy avoiding fines and being in charge of a vessel that’s running like clockwork, it’s well worth investing in oily water separator maintenance. One key part of this maintenance is replacing spare parts on time. This can get confusing, but, fortunately, the experts at H2O have your back. Here’s what you need to know about spare parts and replacement schedules for your oily water separator.