Shipping Lawyer Environmental Compliance and Maritime Law 1

Question 1

Which international convention governs marine pollution from ships, including oil, chemicals, and garbage?

Accepted Answer

MARPOL 73/78

Answer

MARPOL 73/78 (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) is the primary international treaty regulating operational and accidental marine pollution from vessels.

Question 2

What U.S. statute governs liability for oil spills in U.S. waters and imposes strict liability on responsible parties?

Accepted Answer

Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)

Answer

OPA 90, enacted after the Exxon Valdez disaster, imposes strict liability on responsible parties for oil spills in U.S. navigable waters and exclusive economic zones.

Question 3

What is 'Emission Control Areas' (ECAs) under MARPOL Annex VI?

Accepted Answer

Designated sea areas where stricter limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships apply

Answer

ECAs are designated maritime zones under MARPOL Annex VI where vessels must use fuel with sulfur content no more than 0.10% m/m, significantly stricter than the global 0.50% cap.

Question 4

What is the 'ballast water management' requirement under the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention?

Accepted Answer

Vessels must treat ballast water to remove invasive species before discharging it in port

Answer

The BWM Convention requires vessels to manage ballast water to prevent transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens between ecosystems, using approved treatment systems.

Question 5

Under U.S. law, what is the 'Certificate of Financial Responsibility' (COFR) required for?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating a vessel operator's financial ability to pay for oil spill cleanup up to OPA 90 liability limits

Answer

COFR is required by OPA 90 for vessels operating in U.S. waters, certifying the operator can meet financial liability for oil spill removal costs and damages.

Shipping Lawyer Practice Test

Shipping Lawyer Practice Test

Shipping Lawyer Environmental Compliance and Maritime Law 1