For boats 26 feet in length or longer, which placards are required to be carried?

• A. Marine pollution placard and oil waste discharge placard
• B. Marine pollution placard only
• C. Oil waste discharge placard only
• D. No placards required

Answer: (A)

Boats 26 feet or longer must carry both a marine pollution placard and an oil waste discharge placard. The marine pollution placard reminds everyone aboard that discharging oil or other pollutants into the water is prohibited by federal law and MARPOL, serving as a general warning to prevent pollution. The oil waste discharge placard provides the specific guidance about handling oily waste and bilge water, making clear that such discharges must not be made into the water and should be disposed of properly at approved facilities. Having both placards ensures crews are aware of the overall prohibition and the particular rules for oil waste, covering the full scope of pollution prevention requirements for larger recreational vessels. A single placard or no placards wouldn’t adequately communicate both the general prohibition and the specific oil waste disposal rules.