A U.S. merchant vessel in ocean service is NOT subject to the requirements of Annex V to MARPOL 73/78 __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — A U.S. vessel in ocean service is ALWAYS subject to MARPOL.

MARPOL 73/78 Annex V applies to all U.S. merchant vessels regardless of their location. As a signatory nation, the United States enforces these international standards globally for its flagged vessels, meaning there is no geographic exemption from these pollution prevention requirements while operating in ocean service.