Here is the full, structured, MARPOL-based answer for:

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Question 1: Describe the effect and impact on marine lives due to pollution.
Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances such as oil, chemicals,
plastics, and untreated sewage into the marine environment, primarily caused by ships,
offshore platforms, and land-based sources. These pollutants have serious biological,
chemical, and physical impacts on marine life, leading to the disruption of marine
ecosystems.

1. Effects of Oil Pollution (MARPOL Annex I):

Oil smothers marine organisms: Oil coats the feathers of seabirds and the fur of marine
mammals, destroying their insulation and buoyancy.
Toxicity: Hydrocarbons in oil are toxic to fish eggs, larvae, shellfish, and plankton.
Food chain disruption: Oil spills affect primary producers like phytoplankton, which then
affects higher trophic levels like fish and marine mammals.
2. Impact of Chemical Pollution (MARPOL Annex II):
Bioaccumulation: Toxic chemicals (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals) accumulate in the tissues
of marine organisms, impacting reproduction and growth.
Mutations and disease: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals leads to genetic mutations
and diseases in fish and invertebrates.
Habitat degradation: Coral reefs and benthic zones are damaged by discharged tank
washings or chemical leaks.
3. Plastic and Garbage Pollution (MARPOL Annex V):
Ingestion and choking: Marine animals mistake plastics for food, leading to intestinal
blockage or death (e.g., sea turtles eating plastic bags).
Entanglement: Lost fishing nets and plastic debris entangle fish, turtles, and seabirds,
causing injury or drowning.
Microplastic contamination: Small plastic particles enter the food chain, affecting the health
of organisms and potentially humans.
4. Sewage Pollution (MARPOL Annex IV):
Eutrophication: Discharge of untreated sewage increases nutrient levels, leading to algal
blooms and oxygen depletion in water.
Disease transmission: Human pathogens in sewage cause diseases in marine mammals
and shellfish.
Habitat alteration: Coral reefs and seagrass beds are damaged due to excess organic
waste.
5. Air Pollution (MARPOL Annex VI):
Ocean acidification: Emissions of SOx and NOx from ships contribute to acid rain and ocean
acidification, affecting shell-forming organisms.
Climate change: Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂) alter marine temperatures and currents,
threatening the habitat of temperature-sensitive species like polar bears and krill.
6. Ballast Water Pollution:
Invasive species introduction: Ballast water from one region may introduce foreign species to
another ecosystem, outcompeting native marine life (e.g., zebra mussels, jellyfish).

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Ecosystem imbalance: Non-native species may alter food webs and cause population
crashes of native organisms.
Conclusion:
Marine pollution has far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity, food security, and
the overall health of oceans. The MARPOL Convention provides international regulations
(Annexes I–VI) to prevent various forms of pollution from ships and ensure the sustainable
protection of marine ecosystems.

Question 2: What is the objective of MARPOL Convention? State all its

Annexes names. Write the names of all special areas as per Annex I

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL),
1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, is the main international agreement aimed at
preventing and minimizing pollution of the marine environment from ship-generated
sources, both accidental and operational.

✅ Main objectives:
●​ To prevent marine pollution caused by oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and air
emissions from ships.
●​ To ensure safe disposal and treatment of waste on ships.
●​ To regulate ship design, equipment, operation, and certification to protect the
marine environment.

2. Names of All MARPOL Annexes:

Annex Description Pollution Type

Annex I Regulations for the Oil

Prevention of Pollution by
Oil

Annex II Control of Pollution by Chemicals

Noxious Liquid Substances
in Bulk

Annex III Prevention of Pollution by Packaged dangerous goods

Harmful Substances Carried
by Sea in Packaged Form

Annex IV Prevention of Pollution by Sewage

Sewage from Ships

Annex V Prevention of Pollution by Garbage

Garbage from Ships

Annex VI Prevention of Air Pollution Air emissions (NOx, SOx,

from Ships CO₂, etc.)

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3. Special Areas under MARPOL Annex I (Oil Pollution):

Special Areas are defined as sea areas where, for technical reasons related to their
oceanographic and ecological condition, stricter discharge standards apply due to their
sensitivity.

✅ List of Special Areas under Annex I:

1.​ Mediterranean Sea
2.​ Baltic Sea
3.​ Red Sea
4.​ Gulfs Area (including the Persian Gulf)
5.​ Gulf of Aden
6.​ Antarctic Area (south of 60°S)
7.​ North West European Waters
8.​ Oman area of the Arabian Sea
9.​ Southern South African Waters
10.​Caribbean Sea area (part of the Wider Caribbean Region)

Question 3: What is the requirement of implementing SOPEP for a ship? State the contents
and usages of SOPEP manual.
SOPEP stands for Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan. It is a mandatory plan as per
Regulation 37 of MARPOL Annex I, required on:

✅ Applicability:
Every oil tanker ≥150 GT

Other ships ≥400 GT

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Required for international voyages
Purpose:
To minimize and control oil pollution in the event of an accidental oil discharge or spill from

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the ship into the sea.
Approval:
Must be approved by the flag state administration.

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A copy must always be available onboard for inspection.
Legal Reference:
> As per MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 37, all applicable ships must carry a SOPEP
approved by the Administration.
2. Contents and Usages of SOPEP Manual (10 Marks)
A. Contents of SOPEP:
1. Ship-specific information:
Ship’s name, IMO number, call sign, flag, owner/operator details.
Tank plans and arrangement of oil storage.
2. Procedures for reporting:
Immediate notification to coastal authorities and ship’s company.
Use of standard POLREP format (Position, Oil type, Likely outflow, etc.).

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3. Steps to control discharge:
Procedures for stopping leaks or containing the spread of oil.
Actions to be taken in different locations (engine room, deck, tank farm).
4. List of authorities to be contacted:
Coastal state contacts
Port state authorities
Oil spill response contractors
5. Onboard Spill Response Equipment List:
Absorbents, booms, personal protective equipment (PPE), buckets, etc.
Location and use instructions for each item.
6. Duties of shipboard personnel:
Designated response team roles (master, chief officer, engineers).
Spill response procedures and drills.
7. Diagrams and Drawings:
Oil piping systems, emergency shut-off valves, oil tank locations.
B. Usage of SOPEP:
Emergency Response: Guides crew on how to react to oil pollution emergencies quickly and
effectively.
Environmental Protection: Helps reduce the extent of pollution and prevent marine
environmental damage.
Compliance Tool: Ensures the ship complies with international regulations (MARPOL).
Training Aid: Used during drills and crew training to ensure preparedness.
Communication: Ensures proper and timely reporting to authorities and coordination with
external response agencies.
Conclusion:

SOPEP is a vital tool under MARPOL Annex I for protecting the marine environment. It
provides a standardized and organized approach for shipboard personnel to handle oil spill
incidents efficiently, ensuring compliance with international law and minimizing pollution.
Question 4: State the garbage disposal requirements as per MARPOL Annex V.
MARPOL Annex V governs the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships. It prohibits
and restricts the disposal of garbage into the sea, depending on the type of garbage and the
geographical location (including Special Areas).
1. Categories of Garbage Under MARPOL Annex V:
Garbage is divided into the following categories:
1. Plastics
2. Food wastes
3. Domestic waste
4. Cooking oil
5. Incinerator ash
6. Operational waste
7. Cargo residues
8. Animal carcasses
9. Fishing gear
2. General Disposal Requirements (Outside Special Areas):
Type of Garbage​ Distance from Nearest Land​ Disposal Condition
Plastics​ Prohibited​ No disposal allowed anywhere

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Food wastes​ >12 NM​ Comminuted/ground food waste
​ >3 NM​Comminuted only
​ Within 3 NM​ Prohibited
Cargo residues​ >12 NM​ Must not contain harmful substances
Domestic waste​ Prohibited​
Incinerator ash​ Prohibited​ Especially if from plastic burn
Cooking oil​ Prohibited​
Animal carcasses​ >100 NM​ With flag State permission
Fishing gear​ Prohibited unless​ For safety or accident prevention
3. Special Areas under Annex V (Stricter Rules Apply):
1. Mediterranean Sea
2. Baltic Sea
3. Black Sea
4. Red Sea
5. Gulf Areas
6. North Sea
7. Antarctic Area

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8. Wider Caribbean Region (incl. Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean Sea)
In Special Areas:
All garbage discharge is strictly prohibited, except food waste under strict conditions (e.g.,
≥12 NM and ground).
4. Key Equipment and Documents Required Onboard:
Garbage Management Plan (GMP):
Required for ships ≥100 GT or certified to carry ≥15 persons. Describes collection, storage,
processing, and disposal of garbage.
Garbage Record Book (GRB):
Required for ships ≥400 GT and for ships carrying ≥15 persons. All garbage discharge and
incineration operations must be recorded.
Placards:
Placards (in official languages) must be displayed to inform crew and passengers of garbage
rules.
5. Incineration of Garbage:
Only authorized incinerators (IMO Type Approved) may be used.
Prohibited materials: Plastics, PCB-containing waste, heavy metal residues, and
contaminated medical waste.
6. Enforcement and Penalties:
Port State Control (PSC) inspections may verify compliance.
Illegal discharge of garbage may result in fines, detention, or legal action under MARPOL.

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Conclusion:

MARPOL Annex V aims to eliminate the discharge of harmful garbage into the sea,
especially plastics, which pose a severe threat to marine life. Strict adherence to disposal

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regulations, proper onboard management, and recordkeeping are essential for compliance
and environmental protection.
Question 5: Define (any 5):

Slop tank, Segregated ballast, Combination carrier, Product carrier, International voyage, En

✅
route, Nearest land
1. Slop Tank
A slop tank is a tank designated on oil tankers to collect:
Oil residues, dirty ballast water, and tank washings.
Used during cargo operations and tank cleaning.
MARPOL Annex I (Regulation 1.21) defines slop tanks as part of the oily water management
system, and ships must retain oily residues in these tanks for proper disposal at port or

✅
through an approved system.
2. Segregated Ballast:

Segregated ballast water is ballast water that is:

Pumped into tanks completely separated from the cargo oil and fuel systems.
Prevents contamination by oil.
As per MARPOL Annex I, Reg. 1.17, segregated ballast is mandatory on crude oil tankers

✅
≥20,000 DWT and other ships ≥30,000 GT to prevent operational oil pollution.
3. Combination Carrier:
A Combination Carrier is a ship that can carry:
Both oil and dry bulk cargoes (e.g., coal, grain) in the same cargo spaces.
Also known as an OBO (Ore-Bulk-Oil) carrier.
While offering flexibility, combination carriers require strict cleaning procedures and

✅
monitoring to prevent residue contamination between voyages.
4. Product Carrier:
A Product Carrier is a type of oil tanker designed specifically to carry refined petroleum
products, such as:
Gasoline, kerosene, diesel, aviation fuel.
Product carriers usually have multiple small tanks to avoid contamination and allow

✅
simultaneous carriage of different cargoes. Must comply with MARPOL Annex I.
5. International Voyage:
As per MARPOL and SOLAS, an international voyage is a voyage from:
A port in one country to a port in another country (whether or not calling at ports of a third
country).
It triggers compliance with international conventions like MARPOL, requiring specific

✅
certification (e.g., IOPP Certificate).
6. En Route:
In MARPOL context, “En route” means:
The ship is on its direct course to its next destination without deviation.
Discharges (e.g., treated sewage or food waste) are allowed only when the ship is en route,

✅
per MARPOL Annex IV and V.
7. Nearest Land:
Defined in MARPOL Article 2(9) as:
> "From the baseline from which the territorial sea of the territory in question is established."
Except for the Antarctic Area, where it refers to the edge of the Antarctic continent itself.

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This definition is used to determine discharge limits (e.g., no oil discharge within 12 NM of
nearest land).

Question 6: Define Chemical Tanker. As per MARPOL Annex II, describe the conditions to
discharge wash water into the sea.
1. Definition of Chemical Tanker (3 Marks):
A chemical tanker is a cargo ship constructed or adapted primarily to carry noxious liquid
substances (NLS) in bulk.

✅ As per MARPOL Annex II (Regulation 1.16):

> “Chemical tanker” means a ship constructed or adapted for carrying a cargo of noxious
liquid substances in bulk and includes oil tankers certified to carry such substances in

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accordance with the International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code.
Certified under:

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IBC Code (International Bulk Chemical Code)
Examples of NLS:
Acids, alcohols, phenols, solvents, caustic soda, pesticides, etc.
2. Discharge Conditions for Tank Washings under MARPOL Annex II (12 Marks):
Discharge of tank washings and residues containing Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) into

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the sea is strictly regulated under MARPOL Annex II.
Key discharge conditions depend on:
Category of the substance (X, Y, Z)
Ship design and equipment
Geographical area (including Special Areas)
A. Pollution Categories under Annex II:
Category​ Pollution Risk​ Discharge to Sea
X​ Major hazard​ Prohibited
Y​ Hazardous​ Restricted
Z​ Minor hazard​ Less restricted
OS​ Other Substances​ Not regulated

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B. General Conditions for Discharge of Wash Water (for Category Y & Z Substances):
Permitted only if ALL the following conditions are met:
1. Discharge is NOT from Category X substance.
Category X residues must be retained onboard or discharged to reception facilities.
2. Prewash (if required) is conducted.
For Category X (and some Y in Special Areas), mandatory prewash with slops discharged to
port reception.
3. Tank has been emptied to maximum extent.
4. Wash water meets concentration limits:
Dilution and tank wash water must be processed to ensure residual concentration is below
allowed threshold (usually < 1 ppm).
5. Ship is en route at speed ≥7 knots.
6. Discharge occurs at least 12 nautical miles from nearest land.
7. Ship is in water depth ≥25 meters.
8. Discharge is through the Underwater Discharge Outlet.
9. Procedures and Arrangement (P&A) Manual is followed.
10. Details recorded in Cargo Record Book.

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C. Special Areas (Stricter Rules):
Baltic Sea
Black Sea
Antarctic Area
Red Sea

➡️
Gulfs Area
In these areas, discharge to the sea is generally prohibited, especially for Category X and
Y substances, regardless of wash water treatment.
D. Reception Facilities:
Ships must discharge residues and wash water to port reception facilities when discharge
criteria are not met or if substances are prohibited from discharge.
Conclusion:
Chemical tankers must strictly follow MARPOL Annex II to minimize marine pollution.
Discharge of wash water into the sea is only permitted under controlled and
well-documented conditions based on substance category, geographical zone, and
operational procedures.

Question 7: What is Procedure and Arrangement Manual (P&A)? How it can help to cargo
operations and tank cleaning?
1. What is Procedure and Arrangement Manual (P&A)? (5 Marks)
The Procedure and Arrangement (P&A) Manual is a mandatory shipboard document
required under MARPOL Annex II for chemical tankers carrying Noxious Liquid Substances

✅
(NLS).
Definition:
A P&A Manual is a ship-specific manual approved by the flag State, detailing the
procedures, equipment, and arrangements for the handling, discharge, and cleaning of

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cargo tanks carrying NLS.
Required by:
MARPOL Annex II – Regulation 14

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For all ships certified to carry Annex II substances (NLS).
Purpose:
To ensure safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient operations related to cargo
handling, tank cleaning, and residue discharge.

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2. How the P&A Manual Helps in Cargo Operations and Tank Cleaning (10 Marks)
A. Compliance with Discharge Regulations:
Details how to meet MARPOL Annex II discharge standards for different cargo categories
(X, Y, Z).
Specifies minimum speed, distance from land, and depth conditions for at-sea discharge (if

✅
permitted).
B. Standardized Tank Cleaning Procedures:
Provides step-by-step cleaning methods for each type of cargo.
Ensures prewash procedures are followed for:
Category X substances (always required).

✅
Some Category Y substances in Special Areas.
C. Discharge Equipment Configuration:
Includes diagrams showing:
Pipelines, valves, pump systems, and underwater discharge outlets.

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✅
Ensures crew uses correct valve positions to avoid accidental pollution.
D. Operational Planning Aid:
Assists in voyage planning, especially when carrying multiple cargoes.
Helps plan sequence of cargoes and cleaning based on cargo compatibility and regulatory

✅
restrictions.
E. Record-Keeping and Documentation:
Guides officers on what data to record in the Cargo Record Book, including:
Tank cleaning dates
Prewash operations

✅
Residue discharge volumes
F. Training and Drills:
Used for training ship’s crew in proper residue handling and tank cleaning.

✅
Promotes safe and consistent operations, reducing human error.
G. Environmental Protection:
By following P&A Manual, the ship ensures:
Minimal pollution to the sea
Proper handling of toxic cargo residues
Adherence to Special Area discharge restrictions
Conclusion:
The P&A Manual is an essential tool for ensuring that cargo operations and tank cleaning
are done safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with MARPOL Annex II. It protects both the
marine environment and the ship from regulatory violations.
Question 8: Describe the "Ballast Water Management" convention with the technical details.
1. Introduction to Ballast Water and the Need for Regulation
Ships use ballast water to maintain stability during voyages.
When taken in from one region and discharged in another, it can transfer invasive aquatic
species (IAS), harmful pathogens, and bacteria, disrupting marine ecosystems.

✅
2. The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention
Full Name:
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and

✅
Sediments, 2004
Entered into Force:

✅
8 September 2017
Adopted by:

✅
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Purpose:
To prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and
management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
3. Applicability of the Convention
Applies to all ships that carry ballast water, including submersibles, floating platforms, FSUs,
and FPSOs.
All ships of 400 gross tonnage and above must comply and be certified.
Smaller ships must follow simplified measures.

✅
4. Key Technical Requirements of the BWM Convention
A. Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP)
Each ship must carry a ship-specific plan, approved by the Flag State.

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Describes procedures for:
Ballast water uptake/discharge
Sediment management
Crew training

✅
Emergency measures
B. Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
A mandatory log for recording:
Ballast water uptake and discharge operations
Dates, volumes, coordinates, and methods used

✅
Used for inspection and compliance verification.
C. Ballast Water Exchange Standard (Regulation D-1)
Ships must exchange ballast water:
At least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water ≥200 meters deep.
If not possible, at ≥50 nautical miles and ≥200 meters deep.
Efficiency:

✅
Must exchange at least 95% of ballast water by volume.
D. Ballast Water Performance Standard (Regulation D-2)
Ships must treat ballast water using IMO-approved Ballast Water Treatment Systems
(BWTS).
These systems kill or remove organisms to meet discharge limits:
Organism Type​ Discharge Limit

Organisms ≥50 μm​ <10 per m³

Organisms 10–50 μm​<10 per ml
E. coli​ <250 cfu/100 ml
Intestinal Enterococci​<100 cfu/100 ml

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Vibrio cholerae​ <1 cfu/100 ml or 1g fish
E. Installation Timeline
New ships (after 8 Sept 2017): Must meet D-2 standard upon delivery.
Existing ships: Must retrofit BWTS by their next IOPP renewal survey (initially extended to

✅
2024–2025).
F. Sediment Management
Ships must minimize sediment accumulation in ballast tanks and perform regular cleaning to
avoid ecological risks.
5. Exceptions Under BWM Convention
Ballast water exchange/treatment is not required when:
Discharge and uptake occur at the same location.
In cases of safety or emergency.
For ships permanently sealed or non-ballasted.
6. Enforcement and Certification
Ships must carry:
International Ballast Water Management Certificate
Approved BWMP
BWRB

Port State Control (PSC) can:

Inspect documents

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Sample ballast water
Detain non-compliant ships
7. Environmental Significance
Prevents marine biodiversity loss
Protects fisheries and coastal industries
Reduces spread of diseases (e.g., cholera)
Conclusion:
The Ballast Water Management Convention is a critical tool under IMO’s framework to
protect the marine environment from biological pollution. It mandates technical and
operational measures such as ballast water exchange and treatment to minimize ecological
threats from global shipping

Question 9: Write short note on Oil Record Book (ORB).

The Oil Record Book (ORB) is a mandatory logbook required under MARPOL Annex I
for recording all operations involving:

●​ Oil or oily mixtures onboard ships.

It serves as an official legal document to ensure transparency, traceability, and compliance

with oil pollution prevention regulations.

✅ Regulatory Basis:
●​ Required by: MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 17
●​ Applies to:
○​ All oil tankers ≥150 gross tonnage (GT)
○​ All other ships ≥400 GT
●​ ORB is also required under MARPOL Annex II (for NLS as Cargo Record Book) but
this note focuses on Annex I.

✅ Structure of the Oil Record Book:

The ORB is divided into two parts:

Part Applicable To Records Operations

Related To

I All ships ≥400 GT and Machinery space operations

tankers ≥150 GT (e.g., bilge pumping)

II Oil tankers ≥150 GT Cargo/ballast operations

(e.g., loading, discharge)

✅ Contents of Oil Record Book – Part I: Machinery Space Operations

Records the following:

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 1.​ Ballasting or cleaning of fuel oil tanks
2.​ Discharge of dirty ballast or oily water
3.​ Disposal of oily residues (sludge)
4.​ Discharge overboard through Oily Water Separator
5.​ Accidental or exceptional discharges
6.​ Bunkering operations (fuel transfer)

✅ Contents of Oil Record Book – Part II: Cargo/Ballast Operations

(Tankers Only)

Includes:

1.​ Loading/discharging oil cargo

2.​ Internal transfer of oil cargo
3.​ Ballasting/deballasting of cargo tanks
4.​ Cleaning of cargo tanks
5.​ Discharge of water from slop tanks
6.​ Disposal of residues to reception facilities
7.​ Accidental discharges or spills

✅ Legal and Operational Importance:

1.​ Proof of Compliance:​

○​ Demonstrates adherence to MARPOL regulations during PSC or Flag State

inspections.
2.​ Audit and Investigation Tool:​

○​ Used in legal cases, especially when oil pollution is suspected or confirmed.

3.​ Supports Oil Pollution Control:​

○​ Ensures that oily waste is managed within legal discharge limits.

4.​ Standard Entries Required:​

○​ Each entry must include:

■​ Date, time, position
■​ Tank involved
■​ Type of operation
■​ Quantity transferred or discharged
■​ Officer’s signature

✅ Retention and Verification:

●​ ORB must be retained onboard for 3 years from the date of the last entry.
●​ Port State Control or Flag State Surveyors may inspect the ORB at any time.
●​ Incorrect or missing entries can lead to fines or detentions.

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✅ Electronic ORB (E-ORB):
●​ IMO now allows electronic versions of the ORB, provided they are:
○​ Approved by the Administration
○​ Have tamper-proof logging features
○​ Provide authenticated copies

✅ Conclusion:
The Oil Record Book is an essential MARPOL document that ensures operational
transparency and environmental responsibility. It plays a critical role in oil pollution
prevention, regulatory compliance, and the legal accountability of the ship and its crew.

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