Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which type of tankship must have an approved vessel response plan?

Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, tankships operating in U.S. waters are required to have an approved vessel response plan. This regulation is in place to ensure that adequate measures are prepared and implemented in the event of an oil discharge or spill, which can have significant environmental and safety implications. The requirement applies specifically to vessels that operate in U.S. waters because the Act was designed to address the risks associated with oil spills in the jurisdiction of the United States.

The legislation emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential oil pollution incidents and holds operators accountable for having a response plan that meets federal standards. The plan must outline the resources and actions that will be taken in the event of an oil spill, ensuring a structured and efficient response.

This requirement highlights the focus on environmental protection within U.S. jurisdiction and reflects the need for preparedness among all tankship operators who might be involved in oil transport in these waters. Therefore, the emphasis is not only on the type of vessel but also on the geographical area of operation, which is why tankships in U.S. waters are specifically targeted by this regulation.