Which ships are required to carry an Oil Record Book Part 1?

• A. All ships
• B. 400+ GT ships and oil tankers 150+ GT
• C. Only oil tankers
• D. Only 400+ GT ships

Answer: (B)

Oil Record Book Part I is the log used to record all oil-related operations aboard a ship, such as loading and discharge of cargo oil, ballast operations related to oil tanks, and bunkering of fuel oil. The requirement exists to keep a verifiable trail of oil movements so inspectors can detect and deter potential discharges and ensure compliance with MARPOL.

The rule applies to ships that pose an oil pollution risk: ships with 400 gross tonnage (GT) or more must maintain Part I, and oil tankers with 150 GT or more must also maintain it, regardless of their overall size. This combination is why the correct answer includes both 400+ GT ships and oil tankers 150+ GT.

Smaller ships that don’t handle oil cargo or significant oil operations aren’t required to keep this record, and some answers would either miss the 400+ GT ships or miss smaller oil tankers capable of oil transfers.