PCOC Environmental Protection and Pollution Prevention Flashcards

What is the purpose of a Vessel Pollution Placard required on vessels 26 feet and over?

Answer: To notify passengers of the legal prohibition against overboard trash and garbage discharge

Federal law requires vessels 26 feet and over to display a pollution placard notifying occupants that dumping trash and garbage overboard is prohibited.

What color is the required MARPOL garbage disposal placard that must be posted on vessels 26 feet and over?

Answer: White with black text

The required MARPOL Annex V garbage disposal placard must be durable, at least 4 by 9 inches, and displayed in a prominent location in white with black text.

Which of the following may legally be discharged overboard by a recreational vessel beyond 3 nautical miles from shore?

Answer: Food waste that has been ground to less than 1 inch

Ground food waste (less than 1 inch) may be discharged beyond 3 nautical miles under MARPOL Annex V, but plastics are always prohibited.

What should a boater do with used oil, filters, and batteries from their vessel?

Answer: Dispose of at a marina hazardous waste collection facility or recycling center

Used oil, filters, and batteries are hazardous materials that must be taken to a marina collection facility or certified recycling center — never dumped overboard.

A fuel spill during refueling at a marina can be prevented primarily by which practice?

Answer: Not topping off the tank and using an absorbent pad at the fill nozzle

Leaving room for fuel expansion and using an absorbent pad at the fill nozzle are the most effective ways to prevent fuel spills during refueling.

Which practice best protects sensitive aquatic habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs when operating a pleasure craft?

Answer: Using a mooring buoy or anchoring in sand/mud away from sensitive habitat

Using designated mooring buoys or anchoring in sand and mud far from sensitive habitats prevents prop and anchor damage to seagrass and coral.