A Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) is required for vessels of what minimum size?

The Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) is mandated for vessels that meet a specific size threshold in order to ensure effective response measures for marine pollution incidents. The requirement for a minimum size of 150 gross tons (GT) is established under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and related regulatory frameworks.

This size criterion is important because larger vessels typically present a higher risk in terms of potential pollution incidents due to their increased cargo capacity and operational complexity. The SMPEP serves as a proactive measure, ensuring that vessels of this size have protocols in place for preventing pollution and responding to incidents that may occur while at sea or in port. By requiring a plan for vessels of 150 GT and above, regulatory bodies aim to enhance preparedness and minimize environmental impacts from maritime operations.

The other choices, being below the 150 GT threshold, do not align with the regulatory standards set for the implementation of a comprehensive marine pollution emergency response strategy.