Marine Pollution Regulations
Pollution includes every thing and act which harms the marine environment, marine life or affects public amenities.
It includes:
Noise pollution such as from motors and noisily launching boats at boat ramps where people live nearby
Material pollution such as oil, plastics, emulsifiers, degreasers, detergents, chemicals and oil dispersants
- Visible pollution such as food or toilet waste.
State and Provincial Law
Laws in every state in the U.S. and in every province in Canada prohibit the above pollution. Vessels are expected to bring garbage ashore and to use pump out facilities for toilet waste and oily bilges.
Many state authorities, such as Maritime and National Parks and Wildlife Service, are empowered to issue “on the spot “ fines for breaches of pollution legislation, for individuals and companies which owns the vessel.
All pollution from your vessel must be reported to the state/provincial or Federal authorities. You are also REQUESTED to report pollution from other vessels.
Pollution Prevention From Small Vessels
- Observe anti-spill and fire precautions when refuelling. (See below)
- Oily bilges must be discharged into a mobile or shore based pump-out facility.
- Do not discharge plastics ANYWHERE in the water.
- Observe the disposal of garbage, toilet waste and noise pollution regulations stated above.
- Report pollution incidents.
POLLUTION MAY NOT BE AN OFFENCE WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO JETTISON POLLUTANTS TO SAVE A VESSEL AND HER CREW FROM GRAVE DANGER. This must be reported as soon as possible.