What should be inspected in the water around the ship?

The presence of oil leaks in the water around the ship is a critical aspect of maintaining marine environmental standards and safety. Conducting this inspection helps ensure that the vessel is not polluting the surrounding waters, which is a violation of environmental regulations and can have severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems. Detecting oil leaks promptly allows for immediate corrective actions to be taken, reducing the environmental impact and potential legal ramifications.

While the other aspects, such as the depth of water, floating debris, and temperature of water, are also important for various operational and navigational reasons, the inspection for oil leaks is specifically tied to environmental protections and legal compliance. Ensuring that the vessel does not contribute to water pollution is a primary responsibility for the Officer of the Deck in port operations, emphasizing the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing any oil leaks.