Question 65 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "A USCG approved shipboard oil pollution emergency plan" (SOPEP), is the correct requirement. This regulation stems primarily from the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex I, Regulation 37, which is implemented in the U.S. through the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) and codified in U.S. regulations (specifically 33 CFR 151 and 33 CFR 155). U.S. regulations require that all tankships of 150 gross tons (GT) and above, and all other ships of 400 GT and above, prepare, maintain, and have approved a plan detailing actions and procedures to be taken in the event of an oil pollution incident. This plan is universally known as the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) or often, in the U.S. context, a Vessel Response Plan (VRP) for larger vessels, but the core requirement relates to the *emergency plan* detailing shipboard procedures for an oil pollution incident. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) A USCG approved synthetic plastic discharge plan:** While MARPOL Annex V regulates garbage and plastic discharge, there is no specific regulatory requirement for a "USCG approved synthetic plastic discharge plan" that applies across the board to all ships based on these specific tonnage thresholds. The requirement is generally for a Garbage Management Plan and a Garbage Record Book. **B) A USCG approved oil discharge plan:** While ships are required to have plans related to oil, the specific, legally mandated plan addressing *emergencies* for vessels of these tonnages is the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)/Vessel Response Plan (VRP). "Oil discharge plan" is too generic and doesn't capture the comprehensive emergency response nature of the required document (Option C). **D) A USCG approved vapor recovery procedures plan:** Vapor control systems and associated procedures (like VRP plans) are required only for specific vessels (usually tankers) engaged in loading/unloading certain volatile liquid cargoes in designated ports/terminals (33 CFR 154). This is a specialized requirement, not a universal plan required for *all* ships of 400 GT and above or *all* tankships of 150 GT and above.