Boating: Green Boating
Pollution Regulations
Equipment Requirements - Pollution Regulations
The Refuse Act of 1899
prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any
kind (including trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the
waters of the United States.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the
discharge of oil or hazardous substances which may be harmful into U.S.
navigable waters. Vessels 26 feet in length and over must display a
placard at least 5 by 8 inches, made of durable material, fixed in a
conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the bilge pump control
station, stating the following:
Discharge of Oil
Prohibited
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil
or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition
includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of
the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water.
Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including
fines and imprisonment.
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Regulations issued under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act require all vessels with propulsion
machinery to have a capacity to retain oil mixtures on board. A fixed or
portable means to discharge oily waste to a reception facility is
required. A bucket or bailer is suitable as a portable means of
discharging oily waste on recreational vessels. No person may
intentionally drain oil or oily waste from any source into the bilge of
any vessel.You must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard
if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water.
Call toll-free 800-424-8802 (In Washington, D.C. (202) 267-3675).
Report
the following information:
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location
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color
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source |
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substances
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size |
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time observed
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The Act to
Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL ANNEX V) places limitations on the
discharge of garbage from vessels. It is illegal to dump plastic trash
anywhere in the ocean or navigable waters of the United States. It is also
illegal to discharge garbage in the navigable waters of the United States,
including the Great Lakes. The discharge of other types of garbage is
permitted outside of specific distances offshore as determined by the
nature of that garbage.
| Garbage Type |
Discharge |
| Plastics-
including synthetic ropes, fishing nets, and plastic bags.
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Prohibited
in all areas. |
| Floating
dunnage, lining and packing materials. |
Prohibited
less than 25 miles from nearest land. |
| Food waste,
paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar
refuse.
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Prohibited
less than 12 miles from nearest land. |
| Comminuted
or ground food waste, paper, rags, glass, etc.
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Prohibited
less than 3 miles from nearest land.
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United States vessels of 26 feet or longer must display, in a
prominent location, a durable placard at least 4 by 9 inches notifying the
crew and passengers of the discharge
restrictions.
United States oceangoing vessels of 40
feet or longer which are engaged in commerce or are equipped with a
galley and berthing must have a written Waste Management Plan describing
the procedures for collecting, processing, storing and discharging
garbage, and designate the person who is in charge of carrying out the
plan.
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