DBW_ABCs_2023

Green Boating Guidelines

Marine Pollution Placard Federal law now requires all boats 26 feet or more in length, when operating in waters under U.S. jurisdiction, to display an informational placard on federal marine pollution prevention laws. You must display the required placard detailing these prohibitions in a prominent location where passengers and crew can read it. The placard must be 9-inches by 4-inches in size. They can be purchased at marine supply dealers.

MARPOL PLACARD

MARPOL TREATY INTERNATIONAL LAW

The discharge of all garbage, most importantly all forms of plastic, is prohibited into the navigable waters of the United States and into all other waters as specifically allowed below. A person who violates these requirements is liable for civil and/or criminal penalties.

12 or more nautical miles from land PERMITTED Food waste. Wash water and cleaning agents may be discharged en route as far as practicable from shore if not harmful to the marine environment.

3 to 12 nautical miles from land PERMITTED Ground food waste that is able to pass through a screen with openings no larger than 1 inch.

Within 3 nautical miles of land Discharge of all

garbage is prohibited.

MARPOL Annex V Special Area

Wider Caribbean Region (Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean Sea)

Discharge of all garbage prohibited out to 12nm

Food waste must be ground

Regional, state, and local restrictions on garbage discharges also may apply.

MARPOL graphic courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

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