PCOC PCOC Environmental Protection and Pollution Prevention

Question 1

Under the Clean Water Act, it is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances into US navigable waters unless the discharge is what?

Accepted Answer

Permitted by a valid NPDES permit

Answer

Less than 1 gallon per hour

Answer

Beyond 3 nautical miles offshore

Answer

From a vessel under 26 feet

Question 2

What must a recreational vessel operator do immediately upon discovering an oil spill from their vessel?

Accepted Answer

Report the spill to the US Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802

Answer

Apply dish soap to disperse the sheen

Answer

Wait to see if the sheen disappears naturally before reporting

Answer

Only report if the spill exceeds 25 gallons

Question 3

Which federal regulation prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage from recreational vessels in US inland waters?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) Section 312

Answer

The Rivers and Harbors Act

Answer

The Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act

Answer

The Coastal Zone Management Act

Question 4

A 'No Discharge Zone' (NDZ) for vessel sewage means that operators must:

Accepted Answer

Not discharge any sewage, treated or untreated, into designated waters

Answer

Only discharge treated sewage from a Type I MSD

Answer

Discharge sewage only beyond 3 miles offshore

Answer

Use a portable toilet that is emptied on land

Question 5

Which type of Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) is required on vessels operating in a No Discharge Zone?

Accepted Answer

Type III MSD (holding tank — no discharge)

Answer

Type I MSD (flow-through treatment)

Answer

Type II MSD (advanced treatment)

Answer

Any certified MSD is acceptable

Question 6

MARPOL Annex V regulations prohibit the discharge of what material anywhere in US navigable waters?

Accepted Answer

All plastics, regardless of size or distance from shore

Answer

Food waste beyond 3 miles

Answer

Gray water from sinks

Answer

Ballast water from any vessel