Overview
VAF OILCON MARK 6M Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment for Oil Tankers | IMO Approved Marine ODME System
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) is an IMO-approved monitoring system designed for oil tankers to continuously measure, monitor, record, and control the discharge of oily ballast water and slop water during cargo operations. Engineered for reliable marine performance, the system continuously monitors oil concentration, discharge flow, vessel speed, GPS position, and total oil discharged while automatically recording operational data to support compliance with MARPOL Annex I and IMO Resolution MEPC.108(49). With intelligent monitoring, automatic self-cleaning, and user-friendly operation, the OILCON MARK 6M is trusted by tanker operators worldwide.
At Ship Care Service, we supply genuine VAF OILCON MARK 6M systems, replacement spare parts, measuring cells, control units, calibration support, and technical assistance for oil tankers, offshore vessels, shipyards, and marine operators worldwide.
What is the VAF OILCON MARK 6M?
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M is an Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) system installed onboard oil tankers to continuously monitor oily water discharged during cargo tank cleaning, slop discharge, and ballast operations.
The system continuously measures oil concentration, receives information from flow meters and GPS equipment, records operational data, activates alarms whenever discharge limits are exceeded, and can automatically control overboard discharge according to applicable environmental regulations.
Why is Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment Important?
Oil tankers must monitor and record oily water discharge during cargo operations to comply with international marine pollution regulations.
A properly functioning ODME system helps operators:
Support compliance with MARPOL Annex I
Continuously monitor oil discharge
Record operational history
Reduce environmental pollution
Support Port State Control inspections
Improve operational safety
Protect the marine environment
How the VAF OILCON MARK 6M Works
The OILCON MARK 6M continuously supervises tanker discharge operations whenever oily mixtures are discharged overboard.
Step 1 – Sampling the Discharge Line
A representative sample is continuously collected from the discharge pipeline through the sampling system.
Step 2 – Oil Concentration Measurement
The oil measuring cell continuously analyzes the sampled discharge to determine oil concentration in real time using advanced optical measurement technology.
Step 3 – Data Collection
The control unit continuously processes operational information including:
Oil concentration
Discharge flow rate
Vessel speed
GPS position
Date and time
Total oil discharged
The system automatically calculates discharge performance throughout cargo operations.
Step 4 – Automatic Monitoring & Control
If discharge conditions exceed permitted operating limits, the OILCON MARK 6M can:
Key Features of the VAF OILCON MARK 6M
Continuous Oil Discharge Monitoring
The system continuously measures oil concentration during tanker cargo and ballast discharge operations.
IMO & MARPOL Compliance
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M is designed to support compliance with IMO Resolution MEPC.108(49) and MARPOL Annex I requirements for oil discharge monitoring equipment.
Automatic Operational Recording
The system automatically records operational information including oil concentration, discharge flow, GPS position, vessel speed, alarm history, and operational events for inspection and reporting.
Automatic Self-Cleaning & Zero Adjustment
Integrated self-cleaning and automatic zero adjustment functions help maintain measurement accuracy while reducing routine maintenance requirements.
User-Friendly Operator Interface
The digital display allows operators to easily monitor system status, discharge information, alarm conditions, and operational records.
Reliable Marine Construction
Designed specifically for demanding marine environments, the OILCON MARK 6M delivers dependable long-term operation onboard oil tankers and offshore vessels.
Typical Applications
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M is commonly installed on:
Industries We Serve
The OILCON MARK 6M is widely used across:
Who Uses the VAF OILCON MARK 6M?
Typical users include:
Chief Engineers
Cargo Officers
Marine Engineers
Technical Superintendents
Shipowners
Ship Management Companies
Offshore Operators
Marine Service Engineers
Environmental Compliance Officers
Why Choose the VAF OILCON MARK 6M?
Marine operators choose the VAF OILCON MARK 6M because it provides:
Continuous oil discharge monitoring
Accurate oil concentration measurement
Automatic operational recording
Automatic self-cleaning and zero adjustment
Integrated alarm functions
GPS position recording
Support for IMO & MARPOL compliance
Reliable long-term marine performance
Technical Overview
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) is an IMO-approved monitoring system designed for oil tankers to continuously monitor, calculate, record, and control the discharge of oily ballast water and slop water during cargo operations. Installed as part of the vessel's cargo discharge system, the OILCON MARK 6M continuously measures oil concentration, discharge flow, vessel speed, GPS position, and total oil discharged to help support compliance with MARPOL Annex I and IMO Resolution MEPC.108(49).
The system consists of a Main Control Unit (MCU), Electro Pneumatic Unit (EPU), Measuring Skid, Oil Measuring Cell, Sampling System, Flow Meter Interface, GPS Interface, and associated sensors. During operation, the system continuously processes measurement data, calculates discharge performance, records operational history, and activates alarms or automatic discharge control whenever discharge limits are exceeded.
Designed for demanding marine tanker operations, the VAF OILCON MARK 6M incorporates automatic self-cleaning, automatic zero adjustment, automatic calibration, and reliable long-term monitoring performance.
Note: System configuration may vary depending on vessel design, cargo handling arrangement, installed automation system, and classification society requirements. Always verify equipment configuration using the equipment nameplate and official VAF documentation.
Main Components of the VAF OILCON MARK 6M
The OILCON MARK 6M consists of several integrated components that work together to provide continuous oil discharge monitoring.
Main Control Unit (MCU)
The MCU serves as the central operating interface.
Its functions include:
Operators can continuously monitor discharge conditions through the digital interface.
Measuring Skid
The measuring skid contains the sampling and oil measurement equipment used for continuous discharge monitoring.
It provides:
Continuous sample conditioning
Oil concentration measurement
Stable measurement performance
Automatic flushing functions
Oil Measuring Cell
The measuring cell continuously measures oil concentration within the sampled discharge stream.
Its functions include:
Continuous oil measurement
High measurement stability
Automatic zero adjustment
Long service life
Electro Pneumatic Unit (EPU)
The EPU controls pneumatic functions associated with sampling, flushing, cleaning, and discharge control.
Sampling System
The sampling system continuously extracts a representative sample from the discharge pipeline.
Accurate sampling is essential for reliable oil concentration measurement.
Flow Meter Interface
The system receives discharge flow information from the vessel's flow measurement equipment.
The recorded flow information is used to calculate:
Oil discharge rate
Total discharge quantity
Total oil discharged
GPS Interface
The GPS interface continuously receives:
Vessel position
Vessel speed
Date
Time
Operational records automatically include GPS information.
Alarm System
The integrated alarm system immediately alerts operators whenever monitored discharge parameters exceed configured operating limits.
Alarm outputs may interface with the vessel's automation system depending on installation.
Working Principle
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M continuously supervises tanker discharge operations whenever oily mixtures are discharged overboard.
Step 1 – Sample Collection
A representative sample is continuously collected from the discharge pipeline through the sampling arrangement.
Step 2 – Oil Concentration Measurement
The oil measuring cell continuously analyzes oil concentration within the sampled discharge using the system's optical measurement technology.
Step 3 – Operational Data Processing
The Main Control Unit continuously processes:
Oil concentration
Flow rate
Vessel speed
GPS position
Date & Time
Total discharge quantity
The system automatically calculates discharge performance according to applicable tanker discharge regulations.
Step 4 – Alarm & Automatic Control
If discharge conditions exceed permitted operating limits, the system can:
Advantages of the VAF OILCON MARK 6M
Continuous Oil Discharge Monitoring
The system continuously supervises tanker discharge operations during cargo handling and ballast discharge.
Automatic Self-Calibration
Automatic calibration helps maintain measurement accuracy while reducing manual maintenance requirements.
Automatic Zero Adjustment
Automatic zeroing improves long-term monitoring stability and measurement reliability.
Automatic Self-Cleaning
The integrated flushing and self-cleaning functions help minimize contamination of the measuring system.
Integrated GPS Recording
GPS position, vessel speed, date, and time are automatically recorded together with discharge information.
Reliable Alarm Protection
Immediate alarm activation enables operators to respond quickly whenever monitored parameters exceed permitted limits.
Marine-Grade Construction
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M is designed for dependable operation under demanding marine conditions including:
High humidity
Cargo deck environments
Offshore operation
Continuous vibration
Long operating hours
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance helps ensure reliable long-term monitoring performance.
Before Operation
Inspect:
Main Control Unit
Display
Alarm indicators
Measuring skid
Sampling system
Electrical connections
Verify normal operating status before cargo discharge begins.
Weekly Inspection
Check:
Inspect the sampling arrangement for contamination or restrictions.
Monthly Inspection
Inspect:
Measuring skid
Oil measuring cell
Electro Pneumatic Unit
GPS interface
Flow meter interface
Electrical wiring
Connectors
Mounting hardware
Clean components according to VAF maintenance recommendations.
Annual Maintenance
Recommended maintenance includes:
Functional testing
Calibration verification
Alarm testing
Measuring cell inspection
GPS verification
Flow interface inspection
Electrical inspection
Sampling system inspection
Maintenance activities should be documented within the vessel's Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
Common Operational Problems
Although the VAF OILCON MARK 6M is designed for dependable operation, operational issues may occasionally occur.
Problem: High Oil Concentration Alarm
Possible Causes
Recommended Solution
Inspect the sampling system, verify cargo discharge conditions, and inspect the measuring cell.
Problem: No Sample Flow
Possible Causes
Recommended Solution
Inspect the sampling arrangement and restore proper sample flow.
Problem: GPS Communication Fault
Possible Causes
Recommended Solution
Verify GPS communication, electrical wiring, and signal availability.
Problem: Flow Measurement Error
Possible Causes
Flow meter malfunction
Communication failure
Calibration issue
Electrical fault
Recommended Solution
Inspect the flow meter interface and verify signal integrity.
Problem: Display or Controller Fault
Possible Causes
Recommended Solution
Verify electrical supply, inspect wiring, and perform system diagnostics according to VAF maintenance procedures.
Calibration Recommendations
Periodic calibration verification helps maintain monitoring accuracy.
Calibration is generally recommended:
During scheduled maintenance
After replacing the measuring cell
Following major repairs
After extended shutdown
According to VAF maintenance procedures
As required by the vessel's Planned Maintenance System
Genuine Spare Parts Available
Ship Care Service supplies genuine replacement parts for the VAF OILCON MARK 6M, including:
Availability depends on the installed system configuration.
Buying Guide
Before purchasing a VAF OILCON MARK 6M or replacement components, consider the following:
Verify System Compatibility
Confirm compatibility with the vessel's cargo discharge system and installed automation equipment.
Confirm Equipment Identification
Providing the following information helps identify compatible replacement components:
Choose Genuine Components
Using genuine replacement parts helps maintain:
Accurate oil discharge monitoring
Reliable alarm operation
Long equipment service life
Regulatory compliance
Full compatibility with the installed system
Work with an Experienced Marine Supplier
Choose a supplier capable of providing:
Genuine VAF products
Technical assistance
Spare parts support
Worldwide marine supply
After-sales service
Why Marine Operators Choose the VAF OILCON MARK 6M
The VAF OILCON MARK 6M is trusted because it offers:
Continuous oil discharge monitoring
Automatic self-calibration
Automatic zero adjustment
Automatic self-cleaning
GPS integration
Reliable alarm functions
Support for IMO & MARPOL compliance
Reliable long-term marine operation