Every qualifying vessel must have a valid oil pollution prevention certificate. Who is responsible for obtaining this?

• A. The Ship's Owner
• B. The Captain
• C. The Environmental Officer
• D. The Port Authority

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that certain pollution-prevention certificates are mandatory for ships, and the duty to arrange and obtain those certificates sits with the vessel’s owner (or operator). The oil pollution prevention certificate confirms the ship has met required oil pollution prevention measures and has passed the necessary surveys. The owner must organize these surveys, ensure the certificate is issued by the flag state, and keep it valid throughout the vessel’s life. The captain holds the certificate on board and must comply with its conditions, but the legal responsibility to obtain it rests with the owner. The Environmental Officer and Port Authority are involved in implementation and verification, not in initiating the certificate acquisition. That’s why the ship’s owner is the best answer.