Shipping Lawyer Environmental Regulations in Shipping

Question 1

Which international convention primarily governs the prevention of pollution from ships?

Accepted Answer

MARPOL 73/78

Answer

SOLAS 1974

Answer

UNCLOS 1982

Answer

ISM Code

Question 2

Under US law, which statute imposes strict liability on shipowners for oil spills into US waters?

Accepted Answer

Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)

Answer

Clean Water Act only

Answer

CERCLA only

Answer

Rivers and Harbors Act

Question 3

What is the US liability limit for a single-hull tank vessel under OPA 90?

Accepted Answer

$3,000 per gross ton or $22 million, whichever is greater (for vessels over 3,000 gross tons)

Answer

$500 per gross ton

Answer

$1 million flat

Answer

Unlimited liability

Question 4

What must a vessel owner maintain under OPA 90 to evidence financial responsibility for oil spills?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR)

Answer

A MARPOL compliance certificate

Answer

A P&I club membership card

Answer

An EPA discharge permit

Question 5

What is an Emission Control Area (ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI?

Accepted Answer

A designated sea area where stricter limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships apply

Answer

An area where vessels must operate at reduced speed

Answer

A port zone where engines must be shut down

Answer

A region where vessel emissions are freely permitted

Question 6

Which US Act criminalizes the discharge of oil by vessels in US waters and imposes criminal penalties on officers?

Accepted Answer

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS)

Answer

Oil Pollution Act of 1990

Answer

Clean Water Act Section 311

Answer

Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899