What must be in place before transferring oil?

Before transferring oil, it is essential to have discharge containment equipment in place. This equipment is crucial for preventing and managing spills during the transfer process. Ensuring that containment measures are in place helps mitigate the environmental impact of any accidental releases. It includes items like booms, absorbents, and other apparatus designed to contain and clean up spills efficiently, thus protecting marine ecosystems and adhering to safety regulations.

While emergency response teams are vital for managing incidents, they come into play after an emergency occurs rather than being a preventive measure during the transfer. Similarly, a cargo loading schedule is important for logistical coordination but does not address spill prevention directly. A ballast water management plan is focused on preventing the spread of invasive species in the water and is not directly relevant to oil transfer operations. Having dedicated discharge containment equipment is a proactive step that ensures safety and compliance during oil transfer activities.