Which MARPOL certificate addresses sewage pollution prevention?

• A. IOPP
• B. IAPP
• C. ISPP
• D. SOPEP

Answer: (C)

Sewage pollution prevention is ensured under MARPOL Annex IV. The International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate verifies that the ship has an approved system to handle sewage—whether treatment, retention, or discharge arrangements—and that the vessel has undergone the required survey to confirm compliance with MARPOL standards. Once issued, this certificate is valid for the ship’s survey cycle, with renewal tied to surveys, typically on a five-year cycle with interim checks. This certificate directly confirms that the vessel is equipped and managed to prevent sewage from polluting the sea.

Other options relate to different MARPOL areas or documents. The certificate for oil pollution prevention covers oil pollution risks, not sewage. The Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan is an onboard plan for responding to oil spills, not a certificate. The term listed may not correspond to a MARPOL certification at all, and isn’t a certificate like the others.