What was a major safety concern before the OPA?

The major safety concern before the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) was primarily associated with single hull tankers. These vessels, which featured only a single layer of hull to protect against breaches, were more susceptible to oil spills in the event of a collision or grounding. The lack of an additional outer hull meant that if the single hull was breached, the likelihood of a significant oil spill increased dramatically, posing serious environmental risks.

In contrast, double hull tankers were developed as a response to these safety concerns, featuring an additional layer of hull that provides greater protection against spills. Floating oil booms and proper cargo markings are important aspects of spill response and management but do not pertain directly to the structural vulnerabilities of tankers prior to the enactment of the OPA. By addressing the design flaws of single hull tankers, the OPA helped to mitigate risks associated with oil transportation, improving overall marine safety and environmental protection.