USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
A vessel's oily-water separating equipment fails while the ship is 8 nautical miles from the nearest land. The bilge holding tank is nearly full and the oily mixture cannot be discharged in compliance with 33 CFR §151.10(b). Under 33 CFR §151.10(f), what are the two options available to the person in charge of this oceangoing vessel?
- A. Discharge overboard at reduced speed, or divert to a port with a reception facility
- ✓ Retain the oily mixtures on board, or discharge to a reception facilityCorrect
- C. Transfer the oily mixtures to a cargo tank, or discharge overboard if beyond 12 nautical miles
- D. Retain the oily mixtures on board, or discharge overboard provided the vessel proceeds enroute at maximum speed
Why B is correct
33 CFR §151.10(f) states that when an oceangoing ship cannot discharge oily mixtures in compliance with the applicable paragraphs, the person in charge must ensure those oily mixtures are either retained on board or discharged to a reception facility. There is no regulatory provision permitting transfer to cargo tanks or discharge overboard at speed as alternatives under this section.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10