In accordance with 33 CFR Subchapter O (Pollution), besides retention of ballast water onboard or use of approved onboard ballast water treatment equipment, what is another acceptable means for a vessel to be in compliance with the ballast water management regulations?
• 33 CFR Subchapter O – Ballast Water Management distance requirements for mid-ocean exchange • The environmental reason for moving ballast water away from coastal / near‑shore ecosystems • Difference between near shore, territorial sea (12 NM), and exclusive economic zone (EEZ, 200 NM) distances
• Which distance best reflects a truly mid‑ocean location where coastal organisms are least likely to survive if discharged? • Look at each distance and ask: would this still be within typical coastal / shelf waters, or clearly out in oceanic waters? • Think about why regulators chose a specific number of miles: is it more about convenience for ships, or maximum protection against invasive species?
• Verify in 33 CFR Part 151, Subparts C and D what distance offshore is specified for a compliant ballast water exchange when treatment is not used. • Check whether the rule mentions being as far as practicable from shore and in deep water (oceanic conditions), and how that relates to the listed distances. • Confirm that the chosen option clearly represents operation well outside U.S. territorial waters (12 NM) and typical coastal influence.
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