IMO Resolution MEPC.54(32) "Guidelines for The Development of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans" has been partly amended by Resolution MEPC.86(44) "Amendments to The Guidelines for the Development of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans".

The followings are the major points to be amended in accordance with Resolution MEPC.86(44):

1. The plan should clearly underlined the following: (Res. MEPC.86(44),6)
"Without interfering with shipowners' liability, some coastal States consider that it is their responsibility to define techniques and means to be taken against an oil pollution incident and approve such operations which might cause further pollution, I.e., lightening. States are in general entitled to do so under the International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 (Intervention Convention)."
2. The following casualties should be considered in Section 3 "Control of discharge":
(Res. MEPC.86(44),10)
(1) Response to containment system failure
(2) Response to submerged / foundered
(3) Response to wrecked / stranded
(4) Response to hazardous vapor release
3. The plan should provide the master with guidance concerning "Mitigating Activities" in Section 3 "Control of discharge".
(Res. MEPC.86(44),16)

Samples of the additional descriptions of the above are shown in the Attachment, for your reference.

Referring to the above mentioned information, please prepare SOPEP hereafter in accordance with Resolutions MEPC.54(32) and MEPC.86(44).

Please also note that the existing SOPEP which have already been approved in accordance with Resolution MEPC.54(32) need not be modified in accordance with Resolution MEPC.86(44).

(To be continued)