Who is required to maintain an Oil Record Book (ORB) Part 1?

The requirement to maintain an Oil Record Book (ORB) Part 1 is specified for oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage (GT) and above. This requirement is part of international regulations, specifically under MARPOL Annex I, which aims to prevent pollution of the marine environment by oil.

Tankers must maintain this record book to document various operations involving oil, such as the transfer of oil, discharges, and accidental spillages. The purpose of this documentation is to ensure accountability and compliance with environmental regulations, providing a clear record that can be reviewed by authorities and to enhance maritime safety.

Commercial fishing vessels, government-owned ships, and small recreational boats typically fall outside this specific requirement. Fishing vessels may have different operational guidelines, while recreational boats and many government-operated vessels do not always carry the same obligations regarding oil pollution records, especially if they are below the specified tonnage threshold.