What entity is primarily involved in regulating compliance with the IOPP Certificate?

The U.S. Coast Guard is primarily responsible for regulating compliance with the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate. This certificate is crucial for ensuring that vessels adhere to international standards regarding oil pollution prevention. It falls under the regulations of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which the Coast Guard enforces within U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard conducts inspections to verify that vessels are equipped with the necessary pollution prevention equipment and are following proper procedures to prevent oil spills. This includes reviewing records and certificates to ensure compliance with MARPOL requirements.

Other entities, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, are involved in environmental protection and marine safety but do not specifically regulate the IOPP Certificate. The International Maritime Organization provides the framework and guidelines regarding marine pollution standards, but enforcement is typically carried out by a member state's maritime authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard in this context.