- With reference to the international agreement governing the discharge of oil from ships:
(a) state the name of the International Authority responsible for overseeing the legislation;(1)
(b) state the name of the appropriate regulation;(1)
(c) state what the abbreviation SOPEP stands for;(2)
(d) explain the purpose of a SOPEP;(2)
(e) list FOUR items of information a SOPEP should contain.(4)
International Agreement – Discharge of Oil from Ships
(a) International authority: International Maritime Organization (IMO). (1 mark)
(b) Regulation: MARPOL Annex I (Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil). (1 mark)
(c) SOPEP: Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan. (2 marks)
(d) Purpose of SOPEP (2 marks)
- To provide the Master and crew with clear guidance on the actions to take in the event of an oil spill.
- Ensures a prompt, effective, and coordinated response to minimise pollution.
(e) Four items of information a SOPEP should contain (4 marks)
- Procedures to be followed in case of an oil spill on board.
- List of authorities/contacts to be notified (e.g. coastal states, port authorities).
- Detailed actions for the crew to mitigate discharge (e.g. containment, transfer, use of SOPEP equipment).
- Location and inventory of oil pollution prevention equipment on board.