With increasing consciousness about environmental protection people are wanting to reduce their use of plastic and crew are more frequently looking to drink the tap water. This is to be encouraged but drinking the water is not the only reason yachts should be confident their water is safe, even showering can pose a risk from inhalation of pathogens.
To comply with the Maritime Labour Convention regulations (MLC 2006), yachts and marine vessels must provide an adequate supply of safe water, free from microorganisms, parasites, chemicals, or other substances which can constitute a risk to human health. Regular water analysis is therefore an essential part of the yacht’s safety plan and the more regularly it is performed the higher the chance of finding any problems at an early stage and putting in place any required remedial actions, reducing costly down time, (for example charter loss).
MTSea is the agent for Octo Marine in Mallorca, Octo Marine’s testing programme includes a full mineral analysis which provides an insight into yacht specific problems such as corrosion and the presence of a biofilm inside the water distribution system. A biofilm can house harmful bacteria such as Legionella and Pseudomonas which can affect the quality of the drinking water. This biofilm is unlikely to be removed by a hypo-chlorination procedure as the cells within produce a matrix which forms a protective barrier against chlorine and other chemicals. This factor and Legionella’s high tolerance to chlorine, mean chlorine may not ensure complete disinfection of the vessel’s tanks and distribution network. If a biofilm is detected on testing our experienced team can suggest remedial action such as the application of Hydrasil Ag+®, a chemical specifically designed for biofilm reduction and elimination.
An effective water management system consists of:
– Regular testing, at least every three or six months.
– The application of a sterilisation treatment when issues are identified, followed by routine treatment every six months to keep the system safe.
– A weekly examination of routine yacht procedures for disinfection and disinfection levels.
– Water should be sourced from potable supplies on shore so ensuring safe bunkering of water using allocated, suitable equipment to prevent chemical or microbial contamination.
– For this purpose, it is very advisable to use a food safe, bacteriostatic bunkering hose that is kept separate and not used for wash down purposes.
– Essential routine maintenance includes checking the condition of the filters and changing them often, filter housings should be disinfected when changing filters.
Spa pools present a special risk for the health if not managed properly. The water is kept relatively warm creating the perfect environment for microbial growth, then it is agitated when used forming aerosols which can be inhaled. Even if the spa pool is emptied daily, the water within the circulation system may begin to proliferate bacterial growth, infecting the water on refilling. The bacterial infections Legionella and Pseudomonas are not harmful when swallowed due to the presence of acid in the stomach but they are very dangerous when inhaled into the lungs.
OCTOMARINE ANALYSIS is yacht specific and more thorough than analysis done by most land laboratories, Octo Marine are a yacht specialist company and understand yacht water supply, treatment and storage systems and know how these systems differ to land supply systems. Where contamination issues are identified they can help solve the problem and give guidance on action to be taken, something that land based laboratories rarely do.
Shower, use and drink in confidence, compliance and comfort.
(+34) 971 230 771
(+34) 680 815 412
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