Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An oil tanker collision occurs when two or more large ships carrying oil collide with each other. This collision can result in significant damage to the vessels involved and can lead to oil spills into water bodies.
Related terms
Marine Pollution: Marine pollution refers to harmful substances entering oceans or seas through human activities such as oil spills, chemical waste disposal, or plastic debris.
Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS): VTMS is a system used by authorities to monitor and manage vessel traffic in order to prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation in busy waterways.
Double Hull Design: Double hull design is a safety feature implemented in some modern tankers where there are two layers of protective walls surrounding cargo tanks. This design helps reduce the risk of oil spills in case of a collision.