🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR Part 35 – especially rules for oil transfer operations and required documentation • Purpose of the Declaration of Inspection (DOI) in preventing oil pollution and documenting safe transfer procedures • Typical federal record‑retention periods for operational safety documents on board vessels

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Is this document only for the day of transfer, or must it be available for review by Coast Guard or company auditors later? • Think about whether oil transfer is considered a high‑risk operation and whether that would justify a shorter or longer retention period. • Compare the options: Which time period best matches how long an investigating authority might realistically need to look back after a spill or incident?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR how long a Declaration of Inspection must be retained after completion of each oil transfer. • Check whether the regulation uses the phrase "from date of signature" or references completion of transfer – and how that aligns with the choices. • Confirm whether the retention requirement applies to the operator of the vessel specifically, not just shoreside or facility operators.