Regulatory Framework: STCW, MARPOL, SOLAS, ISGOTT and National Requirements
This domain tests the legal and industry framework for tanker operations. You must know which instrument covers training, pollution, ship safety or operational guidance, and how national administration requirements apply.
STCW
STCW Chapter V sets basic and advanced tanker training for oil, chemical and liquefied gas tankers. Basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations is in Regulation V/1-1; advanced oil and chemical training follows in V/1-2 and V/1-3. Liquefied gas basic and advanced training is in V/1-2. STCW also controls certificates, rest hours and watchkeeping.
MARPOL and SOLAS
MARPOL Annex I covers oil, Annex II noxious liquid substances and Annex VI air pollution. SOLAS covers fire safety, life-saving appliances, the ISM Code and emergency arrangements. ISGOTT is industry guidance for oil tankers and terminals, including the ship/shore safety checklist; it is not a convention but is often made binding by contract, charter or port practice.
National requirements
NIMASA, as Nigeria's maritime administration, implements IMO instruments through national regulations, flag State inspections, port State control and reporting requirements. National rules can be stricter than MARPOL, so the ship must meet both.
Worked example
A machinery-space bilge is to be discharged outside a special area. Acceptable only if the ship is en route, the oily-water separator and ODME are operating, oil content is 15 ppm or less without dilution, and the discharge is not from cargo pump-room bilges. The operation is logged in the Oil Record Book. Reasoning: this matches MARPOL Annex I machinery-space discharge conditions.
Traps that cost marks
Treating ISGOTT as a treaty; confusing MARPOL Annex I and II; assuming basic tanker familiarization authorises advanced cargo duties.