What is the reason why ships required to carry SOPEP?
Ships are required to carry a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) to ensure preparedness for oil spill incidents, as mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under MARPOL Annex I. SOPEP provides a structured response plan, detailing procedures for preventing and mitigating oil spills, protecting marine environments, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This proactive approach helps minimize the environmental impact of oil spills and enhances the safety of maritime operations.