You are the chief engineer of a vessel of more than 1600 gross tons on an international voyage. While bunkering lube oil in port, the hose fails and oil is spilled into the harbor. After securing the transfer, how would you proceed?

Correct Answer: Option B — Set out a boom around the ship to control the spread of the oil.

Immediate containment is the priority under the vessel's Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). Deploying a boom around the vessel prevents the spread of spilled oil into the harbor, mitigating environmental damage and legal liability while the crew initiates further cleanup and reporting procedures as required by 33 CFR.