A SOPEP kit is a Ships Oil Pollution Emergency Plan kit. It is required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and must be on board all vessels of 400 gross tons and above, and any vessel that is certified to carry oil in bulk. The SOPEP contains equipment and materials necessary to combat an oil spill resulting from operational activities onboard the ship.
The person responsible for maintaining a SOPEP kit is typically the ship’s bosun or chief mate. They are responsible for ensuring that the equipment is in good working order and that all materials are replenished as needed.