Reporting obligations
All ships should make a report to the relevant authorities when an incident involving another ship is observed or an incident on their own ship involves:
· a discharge or probable discharge of oil or of noxious liquid substances above the permitted level for whatever reason, including securing the safety of the ship or saving life; or
· a discharge or probable discharge of harmful substances in packaged form, including those in containers, portable tanks, vehicles and barges; or
· a discharge during the operation of the ship of oil or noxious liquid substances in excess of that which is allowed.
A report is also required if the ship suffers damage, failure or a breakdown that affects the safety of the ship or impairs safe navigation, and results in a discharge or probable discharge into the sea of a harmful substance. However, reports are not required simply because there has been a breakdown or failure of machinery or equipment ..
Reporting points
The SOPEP should include as an appendix the list of agencies or officials of administrations designated to receive and process reports from ships.
In the absence of a local agency or if there is any delay in contacting a listed reporting point the nearest coastal radio station, designated ship movement reporting station or RCC should be contacted by the fastest available means.
Emergency Situations
General
(1) A collision (2) or grounding (3) or a man overboard , are examples of situations that will require immediate action from the OOW before the master arrives on the bridge.
SOLAS requires emergency training, drills and mustering exercises to be carried out. These drills will involve the OOW on those ships where the bridge is the designated emergency control station.
