Introduction Inshore discharge of oil can cause damage to bird life and mass pollution of beaches. Ships found discharging water containing more than 100 mg/litre of oil or discharging more than 60 litres of oil per nautical-mile can be heavily fined, as also can the ship's master. In consequence it is important that oil/water separators are correctly installed, used and maintainedIntroduction • Inshore discharge of oil can cause damage to bird life and mass pollution of beaches. Ships found discharging water containing more than 100 mg/litre of oil or discharging more than 60 litres of oil per nautical-mile can be heavily fined, as also can the ship's Master. • In consequence it is important that oil/water separators are correctly installed, used and maintained