Maritime Law Maritime Environmental Law and Pollution

Question 1

What federal law is the primary U.S. statute governing oil pollution liability and compensation from vessels?

Accepted Answer

Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)

Answer

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) was enacted in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and is the primary U.S. law governing vessel oil pollution liability and compensation.

Question 2

MARPOL is the international convention that stands for:

Accepted Answer

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

Answer

MARPOL (MARine POLlution) is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, adopted under the IMO in 1973 and modified by the 1978 Protocol.

Question 3

MARPOL Annex I primarily governs which type of pollution from ships?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of pollution by oil

Answer

MARPOL Annex I addresses the prevention of pollution by oil, establishing requirements for oil record books, oil/water separators, and discharge standards.

Question 4

Under OPA 90, who qualifies as the 'responsible party' for an oil spill from a vessel?

Accepted Answer

The owner and operator of the vessel

Answer

Under OPA 90, the owner and operator of a vessel are the 'responsible parties' who bear primary strict liability for oil spills.

Question 5

What are MARPOL 'Special Areas'?

Accepted Answer

Sea areas requiring stricter discharge controls due to oceanographic and ecological sensitivity

Answer

MARPOL Special Areas are sea areas given enhanced protection because their oceanographic and ecological conditions require stricter mandatory discharge standards than the open ocean.

Maritime Law Practice Test

Maritime Law Practice Test

Maritime Law Maritime Environmental Law and Pollution