No. 0006 OPA 90

Q1: Which of the following was one of the important findings in the report into the Exxon Valdez accident?
A: Prevention is the first line of defence.

Q2: Which of the following describes one of the main problems experienced when dealing with the oil spilled from the Exxon Valdez?
A: Government and industry response plans proved to be unable to handle the spill.

Q3: In relation to OPA 90, what is mean by ‘Innocent Passage’?
A: A ship passing through US waters but not entering or leaving a US port.

Q4: Which ships are required by OPA 90 to have a Vessel Response Plan?
A: All tankers and other ships over 400 GT.

Q5: Which ships need to report any oil pollution seen to the National Response Center in Washington?
A: All ships in US waters.

Q6: Why is it necessary to comply with rules which are extra to OPA 90 when visiting some States in the USA? Select the BEST answer.
A: The US legal system allows states to make extra laws, provided they do not contradict federal laws.

Q7: How can an oil tanker sail in OPA 90 waters without an approved Vessel Response Plan? Select the BEST answer.
A: It is passing through US waters but not entering or leaving a US port.

Q8: Which of the following should be notified first of a probable oil spill from a ship in OPA 90 waters?
A: Your Designated Person Ashore.

Q9: Which of the following best describes the area covered by OPA 90 regulations?
A: 200 miles

Q10: Which of the following best describes the role of your Qualified Individual in meeting OPA 90 requirements?
A: They have full authority to arrange whatever is needed to prevent an oil spill, or clean one up.

Q11: Ships over 300 GT that are trading to US ports need to have a COFR. What does COFR stand for?
A: Certificate of Financial Responsibility.

Q12: Why can your OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan list several Salvage and Marine Fire Fighting service providers? Select the BEST answer.
A: Assistance must be provided within specified times, so the providers must be near if there is an incident.

Q13: How often must the ship review an OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan?
A: At least once per year.

Q14: How long must you keep records of OPA 90 training onboard?
A: 3 years.

Q15: How long are you allowed to take to test all parts of your ship’s Vessel Response Plan according to OPA 90?
A: All parts within a calendar year. XX

Q16: What is the longest period that an OPA 90 Vessel Response Plan can go before needing to be re-approved by the US Coast Guard?
A: 3 years. XX

Q17: After a grounding in OPA 90 waters, what extra assistance can a ship get to minimise the risk of fuel oil leaking into the sea?
A: Suitable equipment for lightening the ship.

Q18: Which one of the following would you expect to contact your Oil Spill Response Organisation after your ship had an oil spill in OPA 90 waters?
A: Your Qualified Individual.

Q19: If you carry out a remote assessment and consultation exercise while in OPA 90 waters, how long should it take to get advice back from shore?
A: Less than 1 hour.

Q20: Drag the following actions into their list of priority after an oil spill on your ship.
A: 1. Reduce the flow of the spill.
2. Prevent spilled oil entering the water.
3. Stabilise the situation.
4. Clean up the oil. XX

Q21: How often must you conduct Qualified Individual notification drills while your ship is in OPA 90 waters?
A: Every 12 months. XX

Q22: How long do you have to keep records of OPA 90 drills and exercises?
A: 3 years.

Q23: Which of the following best describes the main job of a Federal On Scene Coordinator during an oil spill in OPA 90 waters?
A: They will monitor your Qualified Individual’s management of the clean up.

Q24: Which one of the following is a recognised sign that oil pollution is serious enough for you to notify the authorities while your ship is in OPA 90 waters?
A: A visible oil sheen on the water.

Q25: Which one of the following is a rule for oil tankers what was introduced by OPA 90?
A: They need to be built with double hulls.