What should be your first response to an oil spill on a commercial vessel?

In the event of an oil spill on a commercial vessel, the priority should be to prevent further spillage and protect the environment. Plugging the scuppers is a crucial measure because it helps contain the spill from flowing into the water and minimizes the environmental impact. Scuppers are designed to drain excess water from decks, but in the case of an oil spill, they can also allow oil to escape. By blocking these openings, you can effectively contain the oil on board until proper containment and cleanup measures can be implemented.

Subsequently, assessing damage may be necessary, but it should not take precedence over the immediate action of containing the spill. Similarly, while implementing containment measures and evacuating passengers are critical steps in an emergency response, they should occur after addressing the issue of preventing the oil from entering the water. The primary goal in such a situation is to mitigate the spill as quickly as possible.