--- title: Understanding 5 ppm Bilge Alarm Requirements description: Understand 5 ppm bilge alarm requirements for Transport Canada and DNV CLEAN Design, and how to check your SMART BILGE configuration. --- [Skip to content](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/understanding-5-ppm-bilge-alarm-requirements#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a request](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) [![Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rivertrace%20Logos/Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White.jpg?width=412&height=150&name=Rivertrace-Logo-Blue-on-White.jpg)](https://www.rivertrace.com) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a request](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Cant find what you need? Contact our remote support team.](mailto:remotesupport@rivertrace.com) [Cant find what you need? Contact our remote support team.](mailto:remotesupport@rivertrace.com) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge) 2. [SmartBilge](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smartbilge) # Understanding 5 ppm Bilge Alarm Requirements ## The standard international limit associated with machinery-space bilge water is 15 ppm, but some vessels may be required to operate to a stricter 5 ppm limit.  Two requirements commonly encountered are **Transport Canada requirements for Canadian inland waters** and **DNV CLEAN Design class requirements**. Although both refer to 5 ppm, it is important to understand the equipment configuration required. ### Transport Canada – 5 ppm For Canadian inland waters, the discharge requirements are reduced from 15 ppm to **5 ppm**. Transport Canada's **TP 12301 – Standard for 5 ppm Bilge Alarms for Canadian Inland Waters** requires the alarm device to be **pre-set by the manufacturer to activate when the effluent exceeds 5 ppm**. A standard SMART BILGE allows alarm settings to be configured within its permitted range. Simply changing the alarm point onboard to 5 ppm should therefore **not be confused with a dedicated factory-configured 5 ppm version**. ### DNV CLEAN Design DNV CLEAN Design requirements can also require the bilge alarm to operate at **5 ppm**. Where the applicable DNV requirement calls for a dedicated 5 ppm arrangement, Rivertrace can provide: - a **factory-configured 5 ppm control module**, preventing the applicable alarm limit from being increased onboard; and - a **flow switch**, where required, to confirm sample flow through the measuring cell while the monitor is operating. The factory configuration is identified on the equipment and supporting Rivertrace documentation. ### How do I know what I have? > **Check the alarm settings on your SMART BILGE control module.** > > Go to **Settings → Alarm Point**. > > If the alarm point can be changed above 5 ppm, the unit has **not been restricted as a dedicated 5 ppm configuration**. > > If the alarm setting is restricted to the dedicated 5 ppm configuration, check the equipment label, serial number and certification to confirm the configuration. **Related article:** [SMART BILGE + 5PPM Type Approval Installation guide -Customer procedure](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smart-bilge-5ppm-type-approval-installation-guide-customer-procedure)  ### What happens at recalibration? The **measuring cell calibration and 5 ppm alarm configuration are separate functions**. The measuring cell measures the oil concentration. The alarm configuration is held within the **control module**. Therefore, replacing the measuring cell as part of the normal **five-year calibration cycle does not change the vessel's 5 ppm alarm configuration**. ### Need to confirm your 5 ppm configuration? If you are unsure whether your SMART BILGE is **user-set to 5 ppm or factory configured for a specific 5 ppm requirement**, send Rivertrace the equipment serial number and a photograph of the control module. 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