Environmental Regulations and Compliance Flashcards
7 cards from real Tanker Familiarization practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Environmental Regulations and Compliance flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of an Inert Gas System (IGS) on a tanker from an environmental and safety perspective?
Answer: To prevent explosive atmospheres and reduce vapor emissions
An IGS maintains oxygen levels below the flammable range in cargo tanks, preventing explosions and reducing hydrocarbon vapor releases to the atmosphere.
Cargo residue from a Category X noxious liquid substance (NLS) must be handled how before a tanker can load a new cargo?
Answer: Discharged only to a port reception facility before washing
Category X NLS cargo residues are the most hazardous and must be discharged to a port reception facility before any tank washing takes place.
Which international convention establishes the framework for compensating victims of oil pollution damage caused by tankers?
Answer: The Civil Liability Convention (CLC)
The Civil Liability Convention (CLC) establishes strict liability for shipowners and provides compensation for oil pollution damage caused by tankers.
Under OPA 90, which party bears strict liability for oil spill cleanup costs and damages when a vessel discharges oil into U.S. navigable waters?
Answer: The responsible party, typically the vessel owner or operator
OPA 90 imposes strict liability on the 'responsible party' — usually the vessel owner or operator — for removal costs and damages from oil discharges.
What is the significance of the 'precautionary area' designation in ballast water management for tankers entering U.S. waters?
Answer: Ballast water must be exchanged or treated before entering U.S. waters to prevent invasive species
U.S. regulations require tankers to conduct open-ocean ballast water exchange or use approved treatment systems to prevent invasive species from being introduced into U.S. waters.
A Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is required by MARPOL for which vessels?
Answer: Oil tankers of 150 GT and above, and all other ships of 400 GT and above
MARPOL Regulation 37 requires a SOPEP for oil tankers of 150 GT and above and all other ships of 400 GT and above.
When a tanker violates MARPOL discharge regulations in U.S. waters, which law gives the U.S. Coast Guard authority to impose civil penalties?
Answer: Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS)
APPS implements MARPOL in U.S. law and grants the USCG authority to impose civil and criminal penalties for violations of MARPOL discharge standards.