Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA - 90)

 The Oil Pollution Act was passed by the United States Congress to prevent further oil spills occurring in the United States. It stated that :

" A company cannot ship oil into the United States until it presents a plan to prevent spills that may occur. It must also have a detailed containment and cleanup plan in case of an oil spill emergency. "

OPA-90 was in response to public concern following the Exxon Valdez incident. 

OPA-90's intention was to improve the nation's ability to prevent and respond to oil spill be establishing provisions that expand the federal government's ability, and provide the money and resources necessary, to respond to oil spills. 

Requirements of OPA

After the grounding of the Exxon Valdez the requirements put forward by OPA 90.

1- Only double hulled tankers to call at US port. 

2- The owner and operators of tanker vessel are required to maintain Vessel Response Plan. 

3- Appoint Qualified Individuals and Contract recognized Oil Spill Response Organization. 

4- OPA improved the nations ability to respond to oil spills & provide money and resources necessary. 

5. The OPA created the national Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund which is available to provide up to one billion dollars. 

Vessel Response Plan :

Vessel to report when 200 miles from US coast. US coast guards will track vessel from this location.

Vessel to give following information 

1- Name & vessel particulars, characteristics 

2- Owners to send plans of General Arrangements plan, Tank plan, Piping system etc.

3- Cow operations if going to be carried out

4- IG & PV system in entirety

5- SOPEP & SMPEP as applicable , SOPEP equipment whether in order.

6- Contingency plan in case of Spill.

7- ODMC, Over discharge valves ,blanks on over board discharge line.

8- Whether all crew aware actions in emergency

9- When vessel is 12 nm off /at anchorage Coast Guards / verifying authority will board vessels to check details.