USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
A vessel's engineer wishes to add a chemical dispersant to the bilge water before passing it through the oily-water separator in order to reduce the apparent oil content of the effluent below 15 ppm. Under 33 CFR §151.10(g), this practice is:
- A. Permitted provided the dispersant is approved by the COTP.
- B. Permitted if the resulting effluent still reads below 15 ppm on the bilge monitor.
- ✓ Prohibited because no discharge shall contain chemicals introduced for the purpose of circumventing the discharge conditions.Correct
- D. Permitted only when the vessel is beyond 12 nautical miles and proceeding enroute.
Why C is correct
33 CFR §151.10(g) expressly prohibits any discharge into the sea that contains chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge. This prohibition applies regardless of the resulting effluent reading or the vessel's position.
Cited:33 CFR §151.10