QUESTION 6.4.1

Deck spill response equipment and crew readiness

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGCargo Control Room, Main Deck, Interview - Rating

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether small oil or chemical spills contained on deck can be cleaned up promptly and safely using sufficient, maintained and correctly deployed equipment.

Ready onboard

0/8 complete

PROCEDURESOPEP or SMPEP and company procedures cover contained deck spills, PPE, recovery, disposal and escalation.INVENTORYThe controlled inventory agrees with the actual type, quantity and location of spill equipment.MANIFOLDSuitable absorbents, non-sparking tools, containers and PPE are immediately available at the transfer area.AFT DECKA practical means exists to collect spills at the aft end on both sides of the main deck.RECOVERYRecovered liquid and contaminated material can be placed in a compatible cargo or slop tank or an enclosed container of adequate capacity.PORTABLE EQUIPMENTPortable pumps and hoses are suitable, maintained, bonded where required and safely powered.INSPECTIONSPeriodic checks, drills and replenishment records demonstrate continuing readiness.CREWAn interviewed rating can identify the equipment and explain safe initial actions.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Show the equipment you would use for a small manifold spill.

Select compatible PPE, absorbents, non-sparking tools, pump or scoop and a safe receiving container under the approved plan.

2Where will recovered oil, chemical and contaminated absorbent be placed?

Use a compatible approved tank or closed container and plan final disposal without creating a secondary spill or incompatible mixture.

3How can a spill at the aft end of either side be recovered quickly?

Demonstrate the ship-specific collection route and portable equipment that can be deployed without delay.

4When may a chemical dispersant be used on pollution in the sea?

Only under company guidance and with the required authorisation from the appropriate coastal State; onboard availability is not permission to use it.

5How do you verify the spill-kit inventory after use?

Record quantities used, isolate contaminated waste, replenish shortages and restore the equipment to its designated location.

Where an observation may arise

INVENTORY

Actual equipment differs materially from the controlled inventory or quantities are inadequate.

LOCATION

Suitable equipment is not readily available at the manifold or aft deck.

COMPATIBILITY

PPE, absorbents, tools, pump or container is unsuitable for the cargo or hazard.

CONDITION

Portable pumps, hoses, bonding, containers or non-sparking tools are defective.

DISPOSAL

No safe receiving or disposal route exists for recovered liquid and contaminated material.

KNOWLEDGE

The officer or rating cannot explain deployment, PPE, recovery or chemical-agent restrictions.

Master's practical note

Ask a rating to select and stage the equipment for one realistic spill. The exercise should reveal whether the inventory is usable, compatible and close enough to the hazard, not merely complete on paper.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Chemical compatibility and PPE depend on the cargo SDS and SMPEP. No agent should be applied to pollution in the sea without the required coastal-State authorisation.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 6.4.1
SOPEP or SMPEP
MARPOL Annex I or Annex II as applicable
ISGOTT, current edition

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08