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Info Centre >> Fuel and Lube Oil Technical Manual >> 3. Fuel Oil - Delivery & Sampling >> 3.8 Storing the Sample


3.8 Storing the Sample


Storing the Fuel Sample: Actions for compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex VI 73/78

Marine and land-based practice may differ here. The description below is written from marine practice. If the sample is only required for testing on site or for compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex VI 73/78, then it is possible to take just a single sample directly on to the sample bottle rather than in to the cubitainer.

Select three or four clean sample bottles. The exact number depends on the final destination of the various samples. To cover all eventualities, it is recommended that four representative samples are obtained from the delivery. The distribution of the samples being:

Supplier’s sample

Vessel’s sample for onboard retention

Onboard analysis sample

Sample for independent analysis



The full cubitainer should be placed in the pourer box and thoroughly shaken to ensure that the contents are well mixed. Attach the pourer spout and gradually transfer the contents into the sample bottles, filling each a little at a time. If more than one cubitainer was used during bunkering, then transfer a portion of both into each of the bottles. Complete the document labels and attach one to each sample bottle.

Flat pack shipping cartons are provided for the safe transportation of fuel samples. Always use IATA approved cartons to avoid delays and damage in transit.