🔍 Key Concepts

• Liability for oil pollution under U.S. law (consider both owners and operators) • The role and legal responsibilities of the master and licensed/credentialed officers • Who actually participates in or directs the operation that results in pollution

💭 Think About

• Think about whether liability is limited only to ownership of the vessel, or whether it can extend to people involved in operating and managing it. • Consider who has authority over cargo and machinery operations that might cause an oil spill, and whether unlicensed crew could also be involved. • Ask yourself: do pollution laws usually focus on one specific position on board, or on anyone whose actions or negligence contributed to the violation?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether pollution laws mention owners, operators, and individuals in charge of operations, not just the master. • Check if liability can extend to any person who causes, contributes to, or is in charge of the polluting operation. • Confirm whether the answer choice you select is too narrow (only one rank or group) or broad enough to match how pollution liability is written in law.