USCG Exam PracticePollution prevention and environmental awareness
Under 33 CFR §151.05, 'clean ballast' is defined in part by a visual standard. Which of the following correctly states that visual standard as written in the regulation?
- ✓ Effluent that, if discharged from a stationary ship into clean calm water on a clear day, would not produce visible traces of oil on the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines or cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface or upon adjoining shorelinesCorrect
- B. Effluent whose oil content does not exceed 15 ppm as measured by an approved oil discharge monitoring and control system, regardless of visual appearance
- C. Ballast water that has been held in a segregated ballast tank completely separated from the cargo oil and fuel oil system
- D. Effluent that, if discharged from a moving ship, would not produce a visible sheen on the surface of the water within 100 meters of the vessel
Why A is correct
33 CFR §151.05 defines clean ballast using a two-part standard: the primary visual test requires that effluent discharged from a stationary ship into clean calm water on a clear day would not produce visible traces of oil on the surface or shorelines, nor cause sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface or on shorelines. The 15 ppm monitoring system evidence is an alternative evidentiary standard, not the primary definition. Option C describes segregated ballast, which is a separate defined term.
Cited:33 CFR §151.05