PSC deficiency code 01314: SOPEP
Area 01 Certificates and documentation
The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is the ship's approved plan for an oil spill: whom to report to, what to do first to stop or limit the discharge, and who on board deals with the shore authorities. Ships carrying noxious liquid substances may hold a combined plan, the SMPEP; the noxious liquid part has its own code, 01319. With 01314, the inspector doubts that the plan is current and that the crew could act on it.
What the inspector looks at
Most of it happens on the bridge.
- an approved plan for this ship, under her present name and flag
- the latest IMO list of national operational contact points kept with the plan
- company, P&I and other ship interest contacts that are still correct
- crew who know the first actions and where spill equipment is kept
- spill equipment on board matching the inventory in the plan
- on oil tankers of 5,000 tonnes deadweight and above, prompt access to shore-based damage stability and residual strength programs
- records of the oil spill drills the SMS calls for
Common findings
- SOPEP list of national operational contact points not updated
- Ship interest contacts in SOPEP outdated
- SOPEP approved for ship's previous name
- SOPEP equipment incomplete as per inventory
- Crew not familiar with SOPEP procedures
- No record of oil spill drill as required by SMS
The rule behind it
MARPOL Annex I, regulation 37 requires oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above and every other ship of 400 gross tonnage and above to carry a SOPEP approved by the Administration. The plan must cover the reporting procedure, the authorities to contact, the immediate actions to reduce or control a discharge, and how the ship coordinates with national and local authorities. IMO guidelines in resolution MEPC.54(32), as amended by MEPC.86(44), set out the content. Appendix 7 of the IMO port State control procedures, A.1185(33), lets the officer check that the crew know their duties under the plan.
Action codes you are likely to see
An old contact list replaced during the inspection is often marked 10. Missing spill equipment or outdated ship contacts usually get 17. A plan that has to be revised and re-approved may get 16. The SOLAS section of the IMO list of detainable deficiencies includes serious deficiencies in the operational requirements of appendix 7, and appendix 7 covers crew familiarity with the SOPEP. A missing plan isn't named on the list, but the officer may treat a serious case as a ground for detention (30). See action taken codes.
How to close it
The master can update the contact points from the IMO circular and replace missing equipment from stores. A revised or renamed plan goes from the office to the flag or its RO for approval. Run and record an oil spill drill. Keep the updated contact list, approval letter, equipment inventory and drill record with the Form B. Related: oil record book and oil filtering equipment.