Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act require all boats with propulsion machinery to be able to retain oil mixtures on board.

• You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine of up to $10,000.
• You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the boat without means for proper disposal. Fuel spills can be removed using absorbent bilge pads.
• You must dispose of oil waste at an approved reception facility. On recreational boats, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage prior to disposing of the oil waste at an approved facility.
• You must notify the National Response Center immediately if your boat discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll-free 1-800-424-8802. Report the discharge’s location, color, source, substances, size, and time observed.