Martek Marine Drinksafe advice

The introduction of MLC 2006 states that “frequent documented inspections” should be performed. In response to this, Martek developed Drinksafe, which “contains 1,800 tests, more than any other on the market providing a comparative cost per test that is 50% lower than the closest comparative test kit,” said Steve Coulson, sales director.

The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines state that disinfectant residuals and pH are monitored daily.

Martek says, as standard, Drinksafe comes with 500 pH tests to ensure more than enough are available for regular testing of bacteria and pathogens that can grow in poorly maintained drinking water.

These include E. Coli, Norovirus, Salmonella and Legionella bacteria. The importance of avoiding these bacteria is particularly heightened on a vessel which could be days from the nearest port.

Martek says factors which can promote the growth of bacteria and toxins in a ship’s water supply include limited flow rate, tank or pipe corrosion, alkalinity or acidity and temperature and often, these problems occur together, accelerating the growth of bacteria, so more frequent testing is required to meet MLC requirements.