Exam Question

### (a) Purpose of an Oil Record Book (ORB)
The Oil Record Book (ORB) is a mandatory shipboard log required by Regulation 17 (Part I) and Regulation 36 (Part II) of MARPOL Annex I. Its primary purpose is to maintain a comprehensive and chronological official record of all operations involving oil, oily mixtures, and oil residues. It serves as the principal legal document for demonstrating a vessel's compliance with MARPOL regulations to Flag State and Port State Control authorities.
The key purposes are:
* **Legal Compliance and Evidence**: The ORB is a legal instrument. Accurate and up-to-date entries provide prima facie evidence that the vessel is being operated in accordance with international anti-pollution laws. In the event of an investigation, the ORB is a critical piece of evidence.