What is the Oil Record Book (ORB) and what bilge-related entries must be recorded?

• A. The ship's official log for ballast water management; bilge water generation.
• B. The ship's official log for engine maintenance; bilge water generation.
• C. The ship's official log for oil and oily mixtures; bilge water generation and discharge, OWS operation, and any transfers.
• D. The ship's official log for cargo manifests; bilge water generation.

Answer: (C)

The Oil Record Book is the ship’s official log for oil and oily mixtures, mandated by MARPOL. When it comes to bilge-related entries, it records every bit of bilge water generated in the engine room and every action taken with oily water. This includes bilge water generation—how much bilge water was produced and when—together with bilge water discharge details such as the amount discharged, the time and place, which tank or system was involved, and the method of discharge. It also requires noting OWS (oily water separator) operation—whether the equipment was in use, along with any faults, alarms, or maintenance actions—and any transfers of oil or oily mixtures, such as transfers between tanks or to shore facilities. The option describing ballast water management or other unrelated records isn’t applicable to the ORB, since those topics belong to separate records and procedures. The ORB’s purpose is to ensure traceability and compliance, preventing pollution by providing a clear history of oil-related discharges and treatment onboard.