On-board spot sampling
Article 6
1. Member States shall take the on-board spot sample of marine fuel through a single or multiple spot sample at the location where a valve is fitted for the purpose of drawing a sample in the fuel service system, as indicated on the ship's fuel piping systems or arrangement plan and as approved by the Flag Administration or Recognised Organisation acting on its behalf. 2. In the absence of the location referred to in paragraph 1, the fuel sampling point shall be the location where a valve is fitted for the purpose of drawing a sample and shall fulfil all of the following conditions: (a) be easily and safely accessible; (b) take into account different fuel grades being used for the fuel-oil combustion machinery item; (c) be downstream of the fuel in use from the service tank; (d) be as close to the fuel inlet of the fuel-oil combustion machinery item as feasible and safely possible taking into account the type of fuels, flow-rate, temperature, and pressure behind the selected sampling point; (e) be proposed by the ship's representative and accepted by the sulphur inspector. 3. Member States may take a spot sample at more than one location in the fuel service system to determine whether there is a possible fuel cross-contamination in the absence of fully segregated fuel service systems, or in case of multiple service tank arrangements. 4. Member States shall ensure that the spot sample is collected in a sampling container from which at least three sample bottles can be filled which are representative of the marine fuel being used. 5. Member States shall take measures to ensure the following: (a) that the sample bottles are sealed by the sulphur inspector with a unique means of identification installed in the presence of the ship's representative; (b) that two sample bottles are taken ashore for analysis; (c) that one sample bottle is retained by the ship's representative for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of collection.