The International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate is one of the key statutory certificates required under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Annex I. It certifies that a ship has been inspected and found to comply with all requirements related to the prevention of oil pollution at sea.
The certificate, along with its Form A or Form B supplement, provides detailed particulars of the ship’s construction, equipment, and operational arrangements to prevent oil discharge into the marine environment.
What is the IOPP Certificate?
The IOPP Certificate is an official document issued by the Flag State Administration or its Recognized Organization (RO) (commonly a classification society). It proves that the ship is fitted with all required pollution prevention systems and has undergone initial, intermediate, and renewal surveys.
It is mandatory for:
All oil tankers of 150 GT and above.
All other ships of 400 GT and above engaged in international voyages.
Key Areas Covered by the IOPP Certificate
- Construction Features
Segregated ballast tanks (SBTs).
Double hull requirements for tankers.
Arrangements to minimize oil outflow in case of damage.
- Pollution Prevention Equipment
Oil discharge monitoring and control systems (ODME).
Oil filtering equipment (15 ppm bilge separators).
Slop tanks and sludge tanks.
Piping and pumping arrangements preventing cross-contamination.
- Operational Requirements
Oil Record Book (ORB) Part I (all ships) and Part II (tankers).
Procedures for control of oil transfers and discharges.
Emergency plans such as the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP).
- Survey Regime
Initial survey before the ship enters service.
Annual/intermediate surveys to verify compliance.
Renewal survey every 5 years.
Supplement to the IOPP Certificate – Form A and Form B
The supplement forms an integral part of the IOPP Certificate and provides detailed ship-specific information.
Form A – For ships other than oil tankers (e.g., bulk carriers, container ships, general cargo ships).
Ship particulars.
Type and capacity of sludge and bilge water holding tanks.
Description of oil filtering equipment (15 ppm bilge separator).
Arrangements for tank washing residue (if applicable).
Confirmation of an Oil Record Book (Part I).
Form B – For oil tankers.
All items in Form A plus:
Segregated ballast and dedicated clean ballast tanks.
Cargo tank arrangements and capacities.
Slop tank details.
Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control System (ODME) particulars.
Oil Record Book (Parts I and II).
Both Form A and Form B are mandatory attachments and without them, the IOPP Certificate is incomplete.
Validity and Endorsements
Validity: Up to 5 years from the date of issue.
Annual and intermediate surveys must endorse the certificate to remain valid.
Certificate may be suspended or withdrawn if pollution prevention systems are found defective.
Importance of the IOPP Certificate
- Environmental Protection – Prevents discharge of oil into the sea.
- Regulatory Compliance – Mandatory under MARPOL Annex I for all applicable vessels.
- Port State Control (PSC) – One of the first certificates verified during inspections.
- Insurance Requirement – P&I Clubs and charterers require valid certification.
- Legal Trading – Ships without a valid IOPP cannot participate in international trade.
Conclusion
The International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate with its Form A or Form B supplement is a cornerstone of MARPOL compliance. It ensures ships are built, equipped, and operated in a manner that minimizes the risk of oil pollution, safeguarding the world’s oceans while enabling global trade.
