You can continue operations, but we would strongly recommend rectification of the fault soonest. Oil leaking inboard suggests that the aft seal is damaged and sea water is filling the stern tube. Oil lubricated bearings do not perform well in seawater contaminated oil, and there is a risk of overheating and seizing them. Your oil analysis sample is often drawn from the upper portion of the stern tube where there is most oil. At the tail end of the tube where the highest loaded bearing is operating – it could be completely immersed in seawater. In this situation AtZ can review your system and suggest containment actions that will help to reduce differential system pressures and slow the leakage. Once docked, we can also provide the required parts and service to make the repair.