Ship Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEP), 2010 Edition
This publication is a guide to the preparation of shipboard marine pollution emergency plans.
This publication contains guidelines for the development of shipboard oil pollution emergency plans (SOPEP) and shipboard marine pollution emergency plans for oil and/or noxious liquid substances (SMPEP). It is designed to assist in meeting MARPOL requirements.
As a specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.
Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis - and IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.