What categories do public vessels fall under during pollution incidents?

Public vessels during pollution incidents primarily refer to government-owned vessels. These are craft operated by government entities, such as the Coast Guard, Navy, or other governmental departments responsible for maritime activities. They play a crucial role during pollution incidents because they are often authorized to respond to environmental emergencies, implement containment and remediation strategies, and enforce pollution regulations.

Government-owned vessels have the legal authority to act on behalf of the public interest in safeguarding marine environments. Their operations are guided by mandates to protect public health and the environment, especially during pollution events that could pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health.

In contrast, privately owned vessels, commercial fishing vessels, and luxury yachts do not typically have the same responsibilities or authorities under pollution response protocols, which focus primarily on government resources and their capabilities to manage such incidents effectively.