What is required under the Vessel Response Plans (VRP) regulation?

Under the Vessel Response Plans (VRP) regulation, vessels over a certain size are mandated to have an approved plan specifically for responding to oil spills. This requirement ensures that these vessels have a structured approach to mitigate and manage spills efficiently, should they occur. The regulation is part of the larger effort to prevent environmental damage from oil spills and to ensure that vessels are adequately prepared for emergencies.

Having an approved response plan involves detailed procedures and resources that outline how a vessel will respond to a spill, including coordination with local authorities and response organizations. This is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact and ensuring a swift, effective response to any incidents.

The other options, while related to vessel operation and safety, do not accurately capture the essence of the VRP regulation. Not all vessels are required to have a dedicated emergency response team onboard, nor do they have a universal requirement for fire suppression systems or pollution damage insurance within the scope of the VRP regulations. These aspects may be relevant to vessel safety and operation but do not align specifically with the VRP’s focus on oil spill response preparedness.