The purpose of this plan is to provide the Master with guidance on the actions to be taken if an oil spill has occurred or is likely to occur, whether from routine operations or after a major incident such as a collision, fire or explosion. The plan is based on the guidelines issued by IMO Resolution MEPC.54(32), adopted by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee on 6 March 1992, and amended by Resolution MEPC.86(44) on 13 March 2000.
Applicability: MARPOL Annex I Regulation 37 requires every oil tanker of 150 GT and above and every ship other than an oil tanker of 400 GT and above to carry a SOPEP. For new ships the rule became effective on 4 April 1993. For ships built before that date it took effect on 4 April 1995.
Approval requirements: Approval by the Administration is mandatory
