A recent oil pollution case in the USA

The latest press release from the United States Dept. of Justice on a case of falsifying oil record book entries is interesting for the following reasons:

• The US lays criminal charges based on the "fraudulent statements" to the port state control officer, e.g. presenting an ORB with false entries. - In this case, the company and officers were convicted.
• The severity of the sentence and fines decreases with cooperation and forthcoming statements by the company and crew. - In this case the fine to the company and the sentences handed down (so far) are relatively mild.
• The fate of the C/E will be determined in a separate hearing. - Of interest is the reference to the sentencing guidelines in this paragraph.
• The company agreed to implement an elaborate and detailed environmental compliance plan for the fleet.