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
Which MARPOL Annex regulates sewage discharge from ships and specifies distances from shore within which discharge is prohibited?
Answer: Annex IV
MARPOL Annex IV regulates sewage discharge, generally prohibiting it within 3–12 nautical miles from the nearest land depending on treatment level.
A tanker carrying a cargo of chemicals classified as Category Y NLS may discharge residue at sea only if which condition is met?
Answer: The concentration of NLS in the discharged mixture is at or below the 1 ppm limit after dilution and the ship is proceeding at minimum 7 knots
Category Y NLS residues may be discharged at sea only when diluted below 1 ppm, the ship is underway at 7+ knots, and other MARPOL Annex II conditions are satisfied.
What is the purpose of a P&I (Protection and Indemnity) Club certificate of entry for a tanker operating in U.S. waters?
Answer: It provides evidence of financial responsibility for oil spill liability under OPA 90
OPA 90 requires tank vessels to demonstrate financial responsibility for potential oil spill costs; P&I Club membership typically satisfies this requirement.
Under U.S. regulations, what is the maximum allowable sulfur content of marine fuel used by vessels operating within the North American ECA?
Answer: 0.10% sulfur by mass
Within the North American Emission Control Area, vessels must use fuel with sulfur content not exceeding 0.10% (1,000 ppm) by mass.
What action is required when a tanker's Oil Record Book is completely filled?
Answer: It must be retained onboard for at least three years and made available for inspection
MARPOL requires completed Oil Record Books to be retained onboard for three years following the last entry and to be available for inspection by authorities.
Which U.S. law specifically requires all new tank vessels and single-hull tankers operating in U.S. waters to transition to double-hull construction?
Answer: Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)
OPA 90 mandated the phase-out of single-hull tank vessels and required double-hull construction for all tankers operating in U.S. waters by specific deadlines.
A tanker crew member who witnesses the falsification of Oil Record Book entries should first take which action in accordance with U.S. law?
Answer: Report the falsification to the U.S. Coast Guard or through the vessel's official reporting channels
Falsification of Oil Record Books is a federal crime under APPS; crew members are protected whistleblowers and should report violations to the USCG or through proper channels.