Dominant constraints to the effective use of oily-water separator (OWS) in the control of ship-based oil pollution in West African waters

The International Regulations for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from ships (MARPOL 73/78) provided deployment oily-water separator (OWS) technology prevention ship-based pollution in marine ecosystem. Previous studies on efficiency and effectiveness use OWS shows about 40 % failure rates ineffective use; while also identifying a multiplicity correlated factors constraining onboard. To overcome constraints posed by identified to effective requires systems approach, which demands determination dominant significant most, prioritizing elimination factors. study used survey design employing primary data principal component factor analysis determine existence five factors, significantly ship operators West African Waters. policy implications were discussed recommendations proffered.