How might a vessel owner prove compliance with environmental regulations?

A vessel owner can prove compliance with environmental regulations by maintaining a valid Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is an official document that demonstrates the vessel meets specific regulatory requirements set by environmental authorities. It assures that the vessel adheres to standards related to pollution prevention, waste management, and other environmental protocols necessary to operate legally.

A valid Certificate of Compliance is typically issued after a thorough inspection by relevant authorities and is crucial for legal operations, especially when navigating through controlled or sensitive environmental areas. It provides documentation that is accepted by regulatory entities and can be easily verified during boardings or inspections.

On the other hand, submitting a list of repairs does not guarantee compliance as it only reflects past maintenance activities, not the current operational status of the vessel regarding environmental issues. Receiving only verbal inspections lacks the formality and verifiability needed to demonstrate compliance. Lastly, while displaying documents visibly on the vessel may serve as a practical measure for crew reference, it does not equate to having an official certificate that confirms compliance with environmental regulations.