CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 4 MARPOL – Oil Q1 Answer

  1. With reference to the MARPOL Convention Annex I – Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP):
    (a) outline FOUR minimum requirements that should be included in the plan;(4)
    (b) describe the actions that should be taken on discovering an accidental discharge of oil during bunkering.(6)

MARPOL Annex I – Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)

(a) FOUR minimum requirements of a SOPEP (4)

A SOPEP must include at least:

  1. Procedures to be followed by the crew in the event of an oil pollution incident (steps for containment and clean-up).
  2. List of authorities to be contacted (flag state, coastal state, port authority, company office, etc.).
  3. Inventory of equipment and response actions available on board to deal with oil spills.
  4. Procedures for coordinating shipboard action with shore-based response (pollution response contractors, local authorities).

(b) Actions on discovering an accidental discharge of oil during bunkering (6)

  1. Stop bunkering immediately – shut valves and raise emergency stop to prevent further spillage.
  2. Raise the alarm and inform responsible officer (Duty Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Master).
  3. Contain the spill – deploy SOPEP equipment such as oil absorbent pads, booms, or sawdust around the affected area.
  4. Prevent entry to water – plug scuppers, use absorbent material to block drains, and ensure scupper plugs are fitted.
  5. Notify authorities and company – follow SOPEP communication plan (harbour master, coastguard, flag state if required).
  6. Record the incident – details must be entered in the Oil Record Book and ship’s log, with corrective and preventive measures noted.