151.26          Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans
(SOPEPS)

BLACK - Regulatory Text
RED - Plan Sections
BLUE – Explanations/Examples

GREEN – IMO Annex 8 (Resolution MEPC.86(44)) Requirements

(a)    Language of the plan. The shipboard oil pollution emergency plan must be available on board in English and in the working language of the ship master and the officers of the ship, if other than English.

(b)   Plan format. The plan must contain the following six sections. A seventh non-mandatory section may be included at the shipowner’s discretion:

(1) Introduction

This section of the plan must contain the following:

(i)                   Introductory text. The introductory text of the plan must contain the following language:

 

This plan is written in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 37 of Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78)

 

The purpose of the plan is to provide guidance to the master and officers on board the ship with respect to the steps to be taken when a pollution incident has occurred or is likely to occur.

 

The plan contains all information and operational instructions required by the guidelines (Resolution MEPC.54(32)).  The appendices contain names, telephone numbers, etc. of all contacts referenced in the plan, as well as other reference material.

 

Changes to the seventh section of the plan and appendices do not require approval by the Coast Guard.

 

The appendices must be maintained up-to-date by the owners, operators, and managers.

 

(ii)                General Information.

(A)  The ship’s name, call sign, official number, IMO number, and principal characteristics.

(B)   [Reserved]

 

(2) Preamble

This section must contain an explanation of the purpose and use of the plan and indicate how the shipboard plan relates to other shore-based plans.  

 

The plan should state that it is designed to assist personnel in the response to a discharge of oil. It must also describe how it relates to other company plans and contain a brief description of how the plans will be integrated.

Example:

"This plan is designed to assist personnel in the response to a discharge of oil.  It will be utilized in conjunction with the corporate plan for oil discharge response efforts.  In the event of an operational or damage-related oil spill or potential spill, the master’s first concern will be the safety and well being of the passengers and crew, and the ship.  The master will then take appropriate response action to minimize the effect of the spill.  This plan will enable the Master to set in motion those steps necessary to stop or minimize a spill or potential spill and to mitigate its effect.

 

This will be accomplished primarily by the immediate initiation of proper notification, requests for assistance from available resources, while concurrently conducting damage control measures and internal transfer procedures to contain or control the oil outflow. Response measures contained in this manual, combined with those in the Deck Procedures Manual, are all available to the master."

 

The Preamble section of the plan must clearly underline coastal states rights to approve oil pollution response in their waters by stating the following:

"Without interfering with shipowner's liability, some coastal States consider that it is their responsibility to define techniques and means to be taken against an oil pollution incident and approve such operations which might cause further pollution, i.e., lightening. States are in general entitled to do so under the International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 (Intervention Convention)."

 

 

(3) Reporting Requirements.

This section of the plan must include information relating to the following:

(i) When to report. A report shall be made whenever an incident involves--

 

(A) A discharge of oil resulting from damage to the ship or it's equipment, or for the purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea;

 

(B) A discharge of oil during the operation of the ship in excess of the quantities or instantaneous rate permitted in 151.10 of this subpart or in 157.37 of this subchapter; or

 

(c) A probable discharge. Factors to be considered in determining whether a discharge is probable include, but are not limited to: ship location and proximity to land or other navigational hazards, weather, tide,

 

The plan should state that a report will be made in the event of any of the above incidents.

 

 (iii)      Information required.

This section of the plan must include a notification form such as that depicted in Table 151.26(b)(3)(ii)(A), that contains information to be provided in the initial and follow up notifications. The initial notification should include as much of the information as possible, and supplemental information, as appropriate. However, the initial notification must not be delayed pending collection of all information. Copies of the form must be placed at the location(s) on the ship from which notification may be made. 

 

The plan must include a form containing the following information:

 

 

In addition, the Coast Guard recommends that any form include the following data elements: "official number of the vessel" and "current conditions of the vessel."

 

(iii) Whom to contact.

(A)  This section of the plan must make reference to the appendices listing coastal state contacts, port contacts, and ship interest contacts.

The SOPEP must state that it includes an appendix of all applicable contacts (state, federal and international).   See section 6 - Appendices.

 

(B)        For actual or probable discharges of oil, the reports must comply with the procedures descried in MARPOL Protocol I. The reports shall be directed to either the nearest Captain of the Port or to the National Response Center (NRC) toll free number 1-800-424-8802.

Spill reports must be made to the Coast Guard (within U.S. waters).

 

(4) Steps to control a discharge.

This section of the plan must contain a discussion of procedures to address the following scenarios:

(i)                  Operational spills: the plan must outline procedures for removal of oil spilled and contained on deck. The plan must also provide guidance to ensure proper disposal of recovered oil and cleanup materials;

Example:

Operational discharges are generally the result of mechanical failure of piping, hoses and connections or improper operation of fuel, lube or bilge oil. In the event of an operational spill:

- Cease operations

- Secure the system in use

- Notify the master

- Commence cleanup

- Dispose of recovered oil and cleanup materials must be in accordance with local laws

 

(A)  Pipe leakage: The plan must provide specific guidance for dealing with pipe leakage;

Example:

- Sound general alarm and initiate emergency response procedures

- Stop bunkering operations and close manifold valves 

- Locate source of leakage and contain all spilled oil

- Begin cleanup procedures

- Drain affected pipeline into tank

 

(B) Tank overflow. The plan must include procedures for dealing with tank overflows. It must provide alternatives such as transferring cargo or bunkers to empty or slack tanks, or readying pumps to transfer the excess ashore:

Example:

- Stop bunkering, close manifolds

- Sound general alarm

- Inform bunkering personnel of incident

- Begin cleanup

-Transfer oil back to shore if necessary

 

(C)  Hull leakage: The plan must outline procedures for responding to spills due to suspected hull leakage, including guidance on measures to be taken to reduce the head of oil in the tank involved either by internal transfer or discharge ashore. Procedures to handle situations where it is not possible to identify the specific tank from which leakage is occurring must also be provided. Procedures for dealing with suspected hull fractures must be included. These procedures must take into account the effect of corrective actions on hull stress and stability.

Example: Possible sources for hull leakage are welded seams and cracks in hull plating due to fatigue or stress. Oil leakage can occur above or below the water line. When an oil sheen is observed around the vessel, any bunkering operations should be stopped immediately. Shore side personnel should be notified immediately.

Depending on the location of the leak, it may be necessary to bring the oil level below the water line. Transfer to an empty slack tank or pump internally to an appropriate tank with spare volume.

 

(ii) Spills resulting from casualties:

Each of the casualties listed below must be treated in the plan as a separate section comprised of various checklists or other means which will ensure that the master considers all appropriate factors when addressing the specific casualty. These checklists must be tailored to the specific ship. In addition to the checklists, specific personnel assignments for anticipated tasks must be identified. Reference to existing fire control plans and muster lists is sufficient to identify personnel responsibilities in the following situations:

(A) Grounding;
      Example:

-         Sound the General Alarm

-         Initiate visual inspection of vessel

-         Take soundings to determine seabed

-         Evaluate the probability of a release

-         Determine if towing assistance is available

After assessing the situation, evaluate the possibility of transferring bunkers or trimming ballast.

(B)  Fire or explosion;
Example:

 -    Sound fire alarm to alert Master, officers, and crew

-    Determine if there are casualties

-    Determine the extent of damage

-    Request assistance

-    Assess the potential for a spill

(C)  Collision;
Example:

-    Determine the extent of damage

-    Ready pumping system for salvage pumping

-    Determine effects of separation ( opening of breached spaces, increase threat of pollution, etc)

-    If oil tanks are breached, attempt to transfer to other tanks

(D)   Hull failure;
Example:

-    Ring general alarm and inform crew

-    Depending on circumstances, select heading and minimum speed to minimize any hull deflections

-    Observe surrounding water for oil movement in way of engine room intakes. May be necessary to maneuver, if possible, to keep suctions free from oil

-    Take actions to reduce hull stress (reduce speed or stop)

-    Assess potential for capsizing

(E)    Excessive list.
Example:

-    Determine cause (shift of cargo, incorrect loading, flooding, etc)

 -    Check all tanks and voids

 -    If oil has spilled, make appropriate notifications

 -    Take corrective action

 

(F)   Containment System Failure

 

(G)  Submerged/Foundered

 

(H)  Wrecked/Stranded

 

(I)     Hazardous Vapor Release

 

 

 

(iii) In addition to the checklist and duty assignments required by paragraph (b)(4)(ii) of this section, the plan must include--

 

(A)   Priority actions to ensure the safety of personnel and the ship, assess the damage to the ship, and take appropriate further action

The plan should list the priorities of actions to be taken in the case of a casualty. Example: The master’s main priority is the safety of personnel. After determining the casualties, the master will direct the crew to take immediate action to mitigate the situation (closing valves, altering course, emergency repairs, etc.)

 

(B)  Information for making damage stability and longitudinal strength assessments, or contacting classification societies to acquire such information. Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a requirement for damage stability plans or calculations beyond those required by law or regulation; and

This section must provide information for making damage stability and longitudinal assessments (i.e. diagrams) or contacting a classification society which can provide such info. The plan may list a naval architect, and include contact information.

 

(C) Lightening procedures to be followed in cases of extensive structural damage. The plan must contain information on procedures to be followed for ship to ship transfer of cargo. Reference may be made in the plan to existing company guides. A copy of such company procedures for ship to ship transfer operations must be kept in the plan. The plan must address the coordination of this activity with the coastal or port state, as appropriate.

This section must discuss how the vessel would lighten, which can include but is not limited to lightering, in the case of extensive damage.
Example:  “1) The Master will direct the Chief Engineer to deballast or transfer freshwater ballast to raise the vessel with respect to waterline.  A shift of about two feet of draft overall can be affected by ballast lightening.  2) The Port Captain will contact tug and barge operators in the vicinity and arrange for 200 feet of hose and portable transfer pumps to be made available in the event of the need for lightening operations.  Contacts, equipment, and arrangements will also be made with tank truck operators in the area of operations to remove fuel from AMHS vessels.  The Port Captain will notify coastal and port authorities of the intent to lighten and report on lightening operations as they progress.  3) The Office of the Watch will make communications contacts with lightening tugs and barges.”

 

The Steps to Control a Discharge section of the plan must address each of the following topics to provide the master with guidance when conducting mitigating activities:

-         Assessment and monitoring requirements

-         Personnel protection issues (protective equipment and threats to health and safety)

-         Containment and other response techniques (e.g. dispersing, absorbing)

-         Isolation procedures

-         Decontamination of personnel

-         Disposal of removed oil and clean-up materials

 

 

(5) National and Local Coordination

This section of the plan must contain information to assist the master in initiating action by the coastal state, local government, or other involved parties. This information must include guidance to assist the master with organizing a response to he incident should a response not be organized by the shore authorities. Detailed information for specific areas may be included as appendices to the plan.

Example: “This section of the plan is to provide information that will assist the Master in initiating action by the Coastal State, local government or other involved parties. If the authorities shore side do not take action to organize a response to the spill, the Master is responsible to take necessary action.

The most effective response to a spill is usually a coordinated effort by the shipboard response team and the shore side professionals.

The master should make every effort necessary to assist the local authorities when they coordinate the response. If there is no local assistance taking charge or available to the ship, the master shall initially rely on the ship's response resources.”

 

(6) Appendices.

Appendices must include the following information:

(i)                  Twenty-four hour contact information and alternates to the designated contacts. These details must be routinely updated to account for personnel changes and changes in telephone, telex, and telefacsimile numbers. Clear guidance must also be provided regarding the preferred means of communication.

(ii)                The following lists, each identified as a separate appendix:

(A)              A list of agencies or officials of coastal state administrations responsible for receiving and processing incident reports;

Example:

The first notification required by MARPOL 73/78 is to the nearest coastal state.  If any delay is experienced in contacting the responsible authority, the nearest coastal reporting station or nearest port agent should be contacted. If the ship is in port, the appropriate port agent(s) shall also be notified.

 

Albania

Spill Notification Point                                      Tel: +355 42 27766

Director of Sea Transport                                             Fax: +355 42 27773

Ministry of Transport                                                    Tlx: 4207 MINKOM AB

 

Algeria

Ministire de l”Interieur                                       Tel: +213 2 732340

Direction de l’Environment                                            Tlx: 66341 M1 dz

           

(B)              A list of agencies or officials in regularly visited  ports. When this is not feasible, the master must obtain details concerning local reporting procedures upon arrival in port; and

Example:

State of Hawaii

National Weather Service Recorded Buoy Reports:      973-6114

State Civil Defense Agency                                           733-4300

Marine Emergencies, nearshore                         911

Marine emergencies, offshore                                        541-2500

Coast Guard                                                                 1-800-552-6458

 

Washington

Washington State DoE                                      425-649-7000

Washington State Emergency Management Division 800-258-5990

USCG                                                                          206-220-7002

USCG MSO                                                                206-217-6232

 

Oregon

Oregon Emergency Response Center                            1-800-452-0311

USCG                                                                          206-220-7002

USCG MSO Portland                                                  503-240-9300

 

(C)              A list of all parties with a financial interest in the ship such as ship and cargo owners, insurers, and salvage interests.

Example:

Owner:             Ocean Tankers Co.

1353 N. Second St.

New York, NY 14683

 

Operator:         Gulf Line LTD.

                        1386 Port of New Orleans Place

                        New Orleans, LA 70130

 

Agent:              American Transporters

                        72938 Elm St.

                        Seattle, WA 28137

                        Tel: 206-281-7623

 

(D)              A list which specifies who will be responsible for informing the parties listed and the priority in which they must be notified. The plan must clearly specify who will be responsible for informing the necessary parties from the Coastal State Contacts, the Port Contacts, and the Ship Interest Contacts.

Example:

The Marine Operations Dept. is prepared to assist the master in making the several notifications which are required by local, national, and international authorities. Such assistance can be reached by several communication methods available to the Master. The best means available at the time should be used. The following call down list is provided for information:

 

Office                                       telephone                                  fax

 Marine operations                    808-475-9475                         808-475-9456

Maritime Affairs                        808-475-9471                         808-475-9345

Marine Ops Coordinator          808-475-9888                         808-475-3000

 

(iii)               A record of annual reviews and changes.

Example:

 

Date of annual Review	Revision number	Person conducting the review	Description of changes
10/1/98	1	Stan Mikita	POC information
09/27/99	2	Mike Ramsey	Address information

                       

 

(7) Non-mandatory provisions.

If this section is included by the shipowner, it should include the following types of information or any other information that may be appropriate:

(i)                  Diagrams;

(ii)                Response equipment or oil spill removal organizations;

(iii)               Public affairs practices;

(iv)              Recordkeeping;

(v)                Plan exercising; and

(vi)              Individuals qualified to respond.

 

Many plans include amplifying information such as the items listed above.  Plan holders are encouraged to include this kind of information as it strengthens a SOPEP and makes it more useful to the crew.

 

In accordance with paragraph 2.5.4 of the IMO Guidelines, the SOPEP must contain plans, drawings, and ship-specific details (a general arrangement plan or tank location diagram) and tank capacity information for cargo, bunker and ballast. These plans and diagrams should be appended.

 

(8) Index of sections.

The plan must be organized as depicted in Table 151.26(b)(8)

Table 151.26(b)(8) – Index of Sections – Sample Format

 

Mandatory

 

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Preamble

Section 3: Reporting requirements

Section 4: Steps to control a discharge

Section 5: National and local coordination

Section 6: Appendices

 

Voluntary

Section 7: Non-mandatory provisions