What is SOPEP or Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan ?

• procedures to report an oil pollution incident
• Coastal State contacts (Focal Points) and Port Contact Lists to be contacted in the event of an oil pollution incident
• response actions to reduce or control the discharge of oil following an incident
• co-ordination with national and local Authorities in combating oil pollution

Objectives of SOPEP 

• prevent oil pollution
• stop or minimize oil outflow when damage to the ship or its requirements occurs
• stop or minimize oil outflow when an operational spill occurs in excess of the quantity or instantaneous rate permitted under the present Convention

In the absence of such a list or listed focal point for a single country/ Coastal State, the Master should contact by the quickest available means 

• the nearest coastal radio station or
• the designated ship movement reporting station or
• the nearest Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (RCC).

List of authorities to be contacted in the event of an Oil Spill

1. Nearest coast station.
2. Harbor and terminal authorities.
3. Ship owners/managers / P & I authorities

• Approved by the administration – cannot be altered without approval except section 5 + appendices which are to be kept updated by owners.