MST Safety & Environmental Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Clean Water Act, what is the maximum allowable oil content in bilge water discharged overboard from a recreational vessel?
- 10 ppm (Correct answer)
- 25 ppm
- 50 ppm
- 100 ppm
Correct answer: 10 ppm
The Clean Water Act and EPA regulations limit overboard discharge of bilge water to no more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of oil.
Question 2: Which agency administers the Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90) for vessels operating in US waters?
- EPA only
- USCG and EPA jointly (Correct answer)
- OSHA
- NOAA
Correct answer: USCG and EPA jointly
OPA 90 is jointly administered by the US Coast Guard (for vessel compliance) and the EPA (for facilities and response planning).
Question 3: A marine technician notices a customer's vessel has no placard stating 'Discharge of Oil Prohibited.' What is required?
- Post a 5×8 inch placard in the machinery space (Correct answer)
- Only required on commercial vessels over 300 GT
- Verbally inform the owner of discharge rules
- No placard is required on vessels under 26 ft
Correct answer: Post a 5×8 inch placard in the machinery space
Federal law (33 CFR 151.65) requires vessels 26 feet and longer to post a 5×8 inch 'Discharge of Oil Prohibited' placard in the machinery space.
Question 4: When working in a confined space aboard a vessel, what atmosphere condition is considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) for oxygen?
- Below 19.5% or above 23.5% oxygen (Correct answer)
- Below 21% oxygen only
- Above 25% oxygen only
- Below 16% oxygen only
Correct answer: Below 19.5% or above 23.5% oxygen
OSHA defines an IDLH atmosphere for oxygen as below 19.5% (oxygen deficient) or above 23.5% (oxygen enriched), both of which are hazardous.
Question 5: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for an engine compartment fire involving fuel and electrical components?
- Type B:C dry chemical or CO2 (Correct answer)
- Type A water extinguisher
- Type D metal fire extinguisher
- Type A:B foam extinguisher only
Correct answer: Type B:C dry chemical or CO2
B:C rated dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers are approved for flammable liquid (B) and electrical (C) fires common in engine compartments.
Question 6: Under MARPOL Annex V, which of the following garbage categories is PROHIBITED from discharge anywhere at sea?
- Plastics (Correct answer)
- Food waste beyond 12 nautical miles
- Unground paper beyond 3 nautical miles
- Fishing gear in designated areas
Correct answer: Plastics
MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all plastics into the sea, regardless of location or distance from shore.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a Vessel Response Plan (VRP) required under OPA 90?
- To outline procedures for responding to a worst-case oil discharge (Correct answer)
- To document annual maintenance schedules
- To certify crew training records
- To register the vessel with the USCG
Correct answer: To outline procedures for responding to a worst-case oil discharge
A VRP is a federally mandated document that details a vessel owner's plan for responding to a worst-case oil discharge scenario.
MST Safety & Environmental Regulations 2
Under the Clean Water Act, what is the maximum allowable oil content in bilge water discharged overboard from a recreational vessel?