What is the maximum oil content allowed in bilge water discharge?

• A. 5 ppm
• B. 15 ppm
• C. 50 ppm
• D. 100 ppm

Answer: (B)

In this context, the limit is about how much oil can remain in bilge water after treatment before it can be discharged overboard. Ships use an approved oily water separator to reduce oil content, and any discharge must have an oil concentration of no more than 15 parts per million. This 15 ppm standard, set by MARPOL, protects the marine environment by keeping discharged water very clean.

So, the maximum allowable oil content in bilge water discharge is 15 ppm. The other options are not correct because 50 or 100 ppm would allow far more oil than the regulatory limit, and 5 ppm is tighter than the standard requirement and not the general rule.