G
E N E R A L
I
N F O R M A T I O N
3–3
P
OLLUTION
R
EGULATIONS
The U.S. Coast Guard defines restrictions on the discharge of oil or hazardous substances and
plastics or garbage in the “Federal Requirements for Boating and Boating safety”. You should
have received this pamphlet when you registered your boat. Detailed below is a summary of those
regulations. You should read the pamphlet and also become familiar with any local restrictions
where you operate your vessel. Passengers or crew members aboard your boat should also be
notified of these regulations.
Discharge Of Oil Or Hazardous Substances
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous
substances which may be harmful into or upon U.S. navigable waters. Vessels 26 feet in
length or over must display a placard at least 5” x 8” in a visible location in the bilge or near
the bilge pump controls. The placard should state the following:
Disposal Of Plastics Or Garbage
The MARPOL ANNEX V is the Act to prevent pollution from ships and other vessels.
Federal regulations prohibit the discharge of plastic garbage anywhere in the marine
environment. Plastic includes but is not limited to: synthetic fishing nets, ropes, lines, straws,
six pack holders, styrofoam cups, lids, bottles, buckets, and plastic bags. These regulations
also restrict the disposal of other types of garbage within specified boundaries from shore. The
following plaque will help you determine the specific distances offshore that certain garbage
is permitted.