"G. Ship's engineers should be cautioned to insure that all transfers and discharges of bunkers or oil of any type are properly recorded in the ship's Oil Record Book. This includes transfers among tanks within the ship."

However, while MARPOL requires engineers to record transfers of bunker fuel for purposes of ballasting or cleaning of fuel oil tanks, there is no specific requirement that routine transfers of bunker fuel, such as transfers from storage tanks to day tanks be recorded in the ship's Oil Record Books. According to Mr. John D. Giffin who has recently discussed with U.S. Coast Guard in this regard, U.S.C.G.guidelines, followed by U.S.Flag vessels, indicate that such routine transfers should be recorded and also U.S.C.G. boarding officers have, on certain occasions, instructed Chief Engineers on non- U.S.Flag vessels to record such routine transfers in the ship's Oil Record Book. Therefore, though it is not required by the regulations, it is a recommended practice that such routine transfers be recorded.