Number 2-96a -- 1 January 1996
| POLLUTION PROBLEM | Litter/Debris | Fuel and Oil | Dispersants |
| EXAMPLE | plastic bags, food waste, aluminum cans, fishing line | gasoline, motor oil | dishwashing soaps, detergent |
| LAWS | MARPOL, MPPRCA | CWA, OPA | CWA, OPA |
| SUMMARY | Overboard disposal of plastics prohibited; no garbage at all may be discharged in inland waters or in the ocean within 3 nm of shore | A spill of fuel or oil creating a sheen or emulsion on the water is prohibited within 12 nm of land; discharges beyong 12 nm only permitted under specific MARPOL Annex II regulations | Prohibits the application of dispersants on oil or fuel spills or sheens of any size |
| REQUIREMENTS | Placard required on vessels 26 ft. and over; waste management plan and logbook required on vessels 40 ft. and over | Placard required on any vessel 26 ft. and greater; ant spill must be reported | Dispersants may only be used with permission from federal and state authorities |
| DOCK REQUIREMENTS | Must provide adequate waste reception facilities in accordance with 33 CFR 158.120 | Any person in charge of a facility, upon learning of a discharge, must immediately notify the USCG | None |
| FINES | Up to $50,000/event; if criminal intent, up to $250,000 and/or 6 years imprisonment; if an organization, up to $500,000 and.or six years imprisonment | $25,000/day regardless of the quantity and cleanup costs; Failure to report, up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment | $25,000/incident for use; $250,000 and up to three years imprisonment |
| AGENCY ENFORCEMENT | USCG | USCG/EPA/State | USCG/EPA |
Abbreviations used in these tables
CVA -- Clean Vessel Act
CWA -- Clean Water Act
EPA -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
MARPOL -- (MARine POLlution), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships at Sea
MPPRCA -- Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act
MRD -- Marine Response Division (USCG Headquarters)
MSD -- Marine Sanitation Device
nm -- Nautical Mile
OAPCA -- Organotin Antifoulant Paint Control Act of 1988
OPA -- Oil Pollution Act of 1990
TBT -- Tributyltin
USCG -- United States Coast Guard
| POLLUTION PROBLEM | Sewage | Hazardous Substances | Bottom Paints |
| EXAMPLE | human waste | boat cleaners, varnish, used oil, cleaners | Tributyl-tin (TBT) based boat paints |
| LAWS | CWA, CVA | CWA, OPA | OAPCA |
| SUMMARY | Discharge of untreated sewage within 3 nm of land is prohibited. Discharge of treated sewage permitted through a USCG-approved MSD only, unless in an area designated "Zero Discharge." | No hazardous substances may be discharged within 12 nm of the shore. Discharges beyond 12nm only permitted under specific MARPOL Annex II regulations. | TBT-additive not allowed in paints for vessels <82 feet, except for aluminum huls, outdrives, and outboard motors. |
| REQUIREMENTS | Boats with installed toilets must have a USCG-approved Type III MSD; boats 65 ft. and over must install a Type II or III MSD | Whether accidental ot intended, violators must report a spill: and may be liable for cleanup | Application by certified applicators only |
| DOCK REQUIREMENTS | Docks receiving state or federal funds for a Type III MSD pump out must maintain the equipment and provide adequate services | Docks, marinas and boatyards are required to report any spills, and may be liable for cleanup | Local regulations in several states restrict in-water hull cleaning and other paint applications |
| FINES | $2,000 civil penalty for violation of MSD requirements | $25,000/day regardless of the quantity and cleanup costs; Failure to report, up to $250,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment | Check state and local regulations and penalties |
| AGENCY ENFORCEMENT | USCG/State/Local | USCG/EPA/State | State/Local/EPA |
Source: CMC/USCG MRO