Question 1

True or False: sanctioned 'shadow fleet' vessels are typically covered by mainstream International Group of P&I Clubs, the same as most conventional tonnage.

Accepted Answer

False False. Shadow fleet vessels typically operate outside the International Group of P&I Clubs, which together cover roughly 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage. This is a major reason coordinated wreck removal and spill response can be slow or absent for these vessels -- the insurance framework that would normally fund it isn't there.

Question 2

The yacht generates food waste, plastics, and oily rags during a passage more than 12 nautical miles from land. Under MARPOL Annex V, what must happen to the plastics?

Accepted Answer

All plastics must be retained on board for discharge to a port reception facility — discharge of plastics into the sea is prohibited under all circumstances MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all plastics into the sea, with no distance-from-land exception (unlike some other garbage categories). Plastics must be retained on board and landed ashore, recorded in the Garbage Record Book.

Question 3

Your vessel is preparing to bunker fuel alongside. As Master, what must be in place before bunkering starts under your SOPEP/SMPEP arrangements?

Accepted Answer

A pre-bunkering checklist completed (hose connections, drip trays, communication with the barge/terminal, spill response equipment ready and accessible), a dedicated watch maintained throughout, and SOPEP equipment immediately available SOPEP/SMPEP plans require pre-transfer checks, continuous watchkeeping during bunkering, clear communication with the supplying party, and immediately available spill response equipment — bunkering spills are a leading cause of MARPOL violations and pollution incidents.