What is the purpose of a vessel's Oil Record Book?

The purpose of a vessel's Oil Record Book is to document oil transfers and discharges. This book is a critical part of a ship's operational records and is maintained in accordance with international regulations such as MARPOL (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships). It serves to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of oil onboard, which is essential for preventing oil pollution in marine environments. Through meticulous logging of all oil-related operations—including loading, unloading, and any accidental discharges—the Oil Record Book helps authorities verify compliance with pollution prevention standards and facilitates inspections by maritime authorities. It plays an essential role in environmental protection measures at sea.