Who is responsible for issuing the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate?

The responsibility for issuing the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate falls to the U.S. Coast Guard or a classification society. This certification is part of the international measures to prevent pollution from ships, particularly concerning oil spills. Under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), specifically Annex I, vessels that are engaged in the transportation of oil are required to possess an IOPP Certificate to demonstrate compliance with established regulations regarding oil pollution prevention.

The U.S. Coast Guard, as a national authority, ensures that vessels operating under its jurisdiction adhere to international standards and can issue this certificate following inspections to verify that the ship’s equipment and systems are in line with MARPOL requirements. Classification societies, which are organizations that establish and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of marine vessels, also have the authority to issue this certificate on behalf of flag states.

In contrast, the International Maritime Organization primarily develops and maintains regulatory frameworks but does not issue certificates directly. The Environmental Protection Agency focuses more on land-based environmental regulations rather than direct maritime certification. Port Authorities have specific roles in the regulation of port operations but do not issue the IOPP Certificate themselves.