Which U.S. vessels are required to have an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP)?

The requirement for the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP) is specifically aimed at U.S. oil tankers that are 50 gross tons and above. This certification is part of compliance with the International Maritime Organization's MARPOL Annex I, which focuses on preventing oil pollution from ships. It is essential for maintaining the safety of marine environments and ensuring that vessels follow proper waste management practices related to oil.

By having an IOPP certificate, these vessels demonstrate that they have met certain technical and operational standards to mitigate the risk of oil spills, which is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems. Smaller vessels and those not engaged in oil transportation do not fall under this certification requirement, which highlights the targeted nature of this regulation.