The GBA-155, often sold and installed as the BilgMon 488, is a compact 15ppm bilge alarm built for MARPOL compliance and retrofit on existing oily-water separators. This guide explains certification, retrofit options, maintenance paths and local services in Dubai so engineers and compliance officers can act quickly.
TL;DR:
- GBA-155 (BilgMon 488) is a MEPC.107(49)-approved 15ppm bilge alarm with optional 5ppm Clean Design upgrade, compact retrofit fit,
- Wireless measuring cell for near zero-downtime calibration, and local service available in Dubai via Al Ghwasa (link below).
Compliance & Certification
GBA-155 meets IMO MEPC.107(49) requirements for bilge alarms and oil content monitors.
Definition: MEPC.107(49) sets test and performance standards for oil-in-water monitors used during discharge. Example: the BilgMon 488 is type approved to 15ppm under this resolution and is offered in a 5ppm Clean Design version for vessels needing higher sensitivity.
Quick fact: BilgMon 488 stores up to 18 months of discharge records for audits and reporting, which helps during Port State Control inspections.
Authoritative source: see the IMO environment overview at IMO.org for resolution references and adoption history.
Installation & Retrofit
The GBA-155 installs easily on existing OWS units and suits tight engine room layouts on Dubai-registered vessels.
Definition: Retrofit means fitting the monitor to an already-installed oily-water separator without replacing the whole plant. Example: compact footprint and standard power options (115/230 VAC or 24V AC/DC) allow quick panel mounting.
- Space: Compact housing designed for retrofit on separators used in small commercial vessels.
- Integration: Provides 0-20mA or 4-20mA outputs and relay contacts for PLCs and alarm systems.
- Power options: Choose 115/230 VAC or 24V AC/DC depending on vessel electrical architecture.
See product and retrofit support at Al Ghwasa for Dubai-specific installation guidance and local supply.
Maintenance & Calibration
The GBA-155 uses a wireless measuring cell for fast swaps and minimal downtime during surveys.
Definition: The measuring cell is the sensor element that detects oil content in ppm. Example: technicians on board can remove the cell for bench calibration while the alarm stays online with a backup or temporary sensor.
Service tip: Authorized calibration every 3–5 years and annual function checks reduce PSC risk. Al Ghwasa provides factory-authorized calibration and replacement in Dubai.
- Inspect cell and sampling lines monthly.
- Replace or recalibrate cell during scheduled surveys to avoid survey delays.
- Keep USB or recorded logs for 18 months for audit trails.
Technical Specs
Here are the core specifications for GBA-155 / BilgMon 488 to help make procurement decisions.
| Parameter | Value |
| Type approval | MEPC.107(49) — 15ppm (5ppm optional Clean Design) |
| Measurement range | 0–30 ppm |
| Alarm settings | Adjustable 1–15 ppm (model dependent) |
| Outputs | 0–20mA or 4–20mA, relay contacts |
| Power supply | 115/230 VAC or 24V AC/DC |
| Data logging | Up to 18 months (internal memory), USB export |
Important: The unit typically reports within 5 seconds and complies with reporting accuracy in MEPC.107(49).
GBA-155 vs 5ppm Clean Design Option
The standard GBA-155 is 15ppm; a 5ppm Clean Design upgrade increases sensitivity for stricter class notations.
Definition: Clean Design is a notation for ships with equipment that reduces oil spill risk and meets higher environmental standards. Example: oil majors or certain offshore operators require 5ppm monitors for contract compliance.
- 15ppm units fit most commercial ships and meet basic MARPOL rules.
- 5ppm units serve vessels needing tighter discharge controls or Clean Design notation.
For retrofit pricing and options in Dubai, Al Ghwasa can provide quotes and upgrade paths: BilgMon 488 product page.
Where to Get Authorized Service in Dubai
Authorized calibration and repair for the GBA-155 are available locally through Al Ghwasa Technical Equipment Trading LLC.
Definition: Factory-authorized service ensures calibration stays within type-approval tolerances and preserves warranty. Example: swap-out measuring cells reduce survey downtime and maintain continuous monitoring.
Contact details: Unit# M08/09, Al Shraifi-1, Zabeel Road, PO BOX: 52084, Dubai, UAE (see product page above).
The GBA-155 uses a wireless measuring cell for fast swaps and minimal downtime during surveys.
Definition: The measuring cell is the sensor element that detects oil content in ppm. Example: technicians on board can remove the cell for bench calibration while the alarm stays online with a backup or temporary sensor.
Service tip: Authorized calibration every 3–5 years and annual function checks reduce PSC risk. Al Ghwasa provides factory-authorized calibration and replacement in Dubai.
- Inspect cell and sampling lines monthly.
- Replace or recalibrate cell during scheduled surveys to avoid survey delays.
- Keep USB or recorded logs for 18 months for audit trails.
Summary
The GBA-155 (BilgMon 488) offers a reliable 15ppm bilge alarm solution with retrofit convenience, optional 5ppm sensitivity, and local service options in Dubai via Al Ghwasa. Keep measuring cells current and maintain regular checks to stay compliant with MEPC.107(49) and avoid fines during port inspections.
FAQs
Does GBA-155 meet MEPC.107(49)?
Yes. The GBA-155 (BilgMon 488) is type approved to MEPC.107(49) at 15ppm, with a 5ppm option available.
Can I retrofit GBA-155 on my existing OWS in Dubai?
Yes. The monitor has a compact footprint and flexible power outputs designed for retrofit installations.
How often does the measuring cell need calibration?
Calibration intervals are typically 3–5 years with annual function checks and on-board inspections recommended.
Does the unit keep discharge logs for audits?
Yes. The unit stores up to 18 months of discharge data and supports USB export for PSC and IMO audits.
