USCG Exam PracticeMARPOL and discharge regulations
A vessel is operating in the Antarctic area, which is south of 60 degrees south latitude. Under 33 CFR §151.13, which of the following statements correctly describes the oily mixture discharge requirements for ALL ships in that area?
- A. Ships under 400 gross tons may discharge oily mixtures provided the oil content does not exceed 15 ppm
- ✓ Discharge of oil or oily mixture into the sea from any ship is prohibited, and all ships must carry sufficient tank capacity to retain all oily mixtures while in the areaCorrect
- C. Only oil tankers are prohibited from discharging; other vessels may discharge processed bilge water at any oil content level
- D. Discharge is prohibited for ships of 400 gross tons or more, but ships under 400 gross tons may discharge if oil content does not exceed 15 ppm
Why B is correct
33 CFR §151.13(b)(1) states that in the Antarctic area, discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture from ANY ship is prohibited. Additionally, §151.13(b)(3) requires all ships operating in the Antarctic area to have on board sufficient tank capacity to retain all oily mixtures while in the area, with arrangements to discharge at a reception facility outside the Antarctic area. The 15 ppm exception for vessels under 400 GT applies to other special areas, not the Antarctic.
Cited:33 CFR §151.13