USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
Under 33 CFR §151.10(g), a chief engineer adds a chemical dispersant to the bilge water before processing it through the oily-water separator in order to reduce the apparent oil content of the effluent below 15 ppm. Which of the following most accurately describes the regulatory status of this practice?
- ✓ It is prohibited because no discharge shall contain chemicals introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of dischargeCorrect
- B. It is permitted provided the resulting effluent oil content is verified below 15 ppm by the bilge alarm
- C. It is permitted only when the vessel is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land and proceeding enroute
- D. It is permitted provided the chemical used is not classified as a harmful substance under MARPOL Annex III
Why A is correct
33 CFR §151.10(g) expressly states that no discharge into the sea shall contain chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge. Adding a dispersant to manipulate the apparent oil content reading constitutes circumvention regardless of the resulting ppm reading, distance from land, or the chemical's own classification.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10