Your ship is working cargo in port when a hydraulic hose ruptures on the weather deck and oil spills into the harbor. Once the source of the oil spill has been secured, how would you proceed?

Correct Answer: Option B — Follow the procedures outlined in the vessel's Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) manual.

The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is required by MARPOL Annex I and 33 CFR 151.26. It provides the master and crew with specific, actionable procedures for reporting, containing, and cleaning up oil spills, ensuring a coordinated response to minimize environmental impact during an emergency.