SOPEP stands for?

• A. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
• B. Shipboard Incident Pollution Emergency Plan
• C. Shipowner Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
• D. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Procedure

Answer: (A)

SOPEP is the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan. This is the international requirement that tells the crew exactly what steps to take if oil pollution occurs from the vessel. It outlines how to report the incident, who coordinates the response, and the immediate actions to contain and minimize pollution, such as stopping the source, mobilizing containment measures, and notifying the appropriate authorities. It also lists on‑board resources, emergency contact details (for coast guards, port authorities, and the ship’s flag state), and the drills and review actions that keep the crew prepared. The official title used in regulations is Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan, which is why that option is the best choice. The other phrasings swap terms like “Plan” for “Procedure” or replace “Oil Pollution” with “Incident,” or refer to the shipowner, which do not match the standardized terminology.