USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
A vessel's engineer is preparing to discharge oily bilge water overboard while the vessel is within 12 nautical miles of the nearest land. Under 33 CFR §151.10, which of the following conditions, if present, would independently prohibit the discharge regardless of whether all other conditions are met?
- ✓ The oily mixture originated from cargo pump room bilgesCorrect
- B. The vessel is proceeding enroute at full sea speed
- C. The oily-water separating equipment has a certified 15 ppm bilge alarm in operation
- D. The oil content of the effluent without dilution is exactly 14 ppm
Why A is correct
33 CFR §151.10(b)(1) prohibits discharge within 12 nautical miles when the oily mixture originates from cargo pump room bilges. This is an absolute condition; if the mixture originates from cargo pump room bilges, no other conditions can authorize the discharge. Options B, C, and D describe conditions that either permit or do not independently prohibit discharge.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10