What is the purpose and typical limit of an Oily Water Separator (OWS) in MARPOL operations?

• A. It filters ballast water; no fixed limit
• B. It removes oil from bilge water and allows discharge of effluent with oil content not exceeding 15 ppm, under proper operation and record-keeping
• C. It distills seawater for engine cooling; limit 100 ppm
• D. It polishes sewage effluent; limit 5 ppm

Answer: (B)