What must every ship of 150 GT or more that is certified to carry NLS in bulk have onboard?

Every ship of 150 gross tonnage (GT) or more that is certified to carry noxious liquid substances (NLS) in bulk is required to have a Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) on board. The SMPEP is essential for the effective management of marine pollution incidents and outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of a spill of noxious liquid substances. It details the responsibilities of the crew, the steps to contain and mitigate a spill, and coordination with relevant authorities to respond effectively to incidents, thereby protecting the marine environment.

The requirement for an SMPEP stems from regulations aimed at preventing pollution and ensuring that vessels are equipped to handle emergencies involving harmful substances. This plan must be readily available to the crew and must be regularly updated to reflect the latest practices and any changes to the substances being carried.

In contrast, while the other choices may relate to maritime safety and environmental management, they do not fulfill the specific requirement for ships transporting noxious liquid substances in bulk. An oil pollution contingency plan specifically relates to oil spills, an Oil Record Book (ORB) is used for monitoring oil transfers and disposals, and a waste management plan is relevant for garbage and other waste management onboard. While important