Marine Environmental Protection Flashcards

What is the required content of a Garbage Management Plan under MARPOL Annex V?

Answer: Written procedures for minimizing, collecting, storing, and disposing of garbage aboard the vessel

A Garbage Management Plan must describe procedures for minimizing, collecting, storing, processing, and disposing of garbage, and must assign responsibility for the plan's implementation.

What must a vessel do with oily bilge water when in a 'Special Area' under MARPOL?

Answer: Retain it on board for discharge at a port reception facility — no discharge permitted

In MARPOL Special Areas such as the Antarctic, Baltic, Mediterranean, and others, no discharge of oily bilge water is permitted — all oily residues must be retained on board.

Which regulation requires vessels over 400 GT to have an approved Sewage Treatment Plant or holding tank?

Answer: MARPOL Annex IV

MARPOL Annex IV addresses prevention of pollution by sewage from ships, requiring treatment systems or holding tanks on vessels over 400 GT or certified for more than 15 persons.

What is the penalty for falsifying an Oil Record Book in U.S. waters?

Answer: Criminal fines and imprisonment under APPS

Under APPS, knowingly falsifying an Oil Record Book is a felony that can result in criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and imprisonment for responsible officers.

What does the term 'sheen' indicate in the context of an oil spill?

Answer: A visible film of oil on the water surface, indicating a reportable discharge

A sheen is a visible oily film on the water surface and under OPA 90 and the Clean Water Act, any discharge causing a sheen must be reported to the National Response Center.

The National Response Center (NRC) must be notified within what timeframe following an oil spill?

Answer: As soon as possible after discovery

OPA 90 and the Clean Water Act require the responsible party to notify the NRC (1-800-424-8802) as soon as possible — there is no grace period — upon discovery of a discharge.