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Good Samaritan boater offering good faith assistance,
and absolves a boater from any civil liability arising from
assistance given.
A - 15 DISCHARGE OF OIL
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the dis-
charge of oil waste into or upon the navigable waters of
the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone if
such discharge causes a film or sheen upon or a discol-
oration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or
emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are
subject to a penalty of $5,000.
A - 16 DISPOSAL OF PLASTICS & OTHER GARBAGE
Plastic refuse dumped in the water can kill fish and ma-
rine wildlife and can foul boat propellers and cooling water
intakes. Other forms of waterborne garbage can litter our
beaches and make people sick. U.S. Coast Guard and
most state regulations prohibit the dumping of plastic
refuse or other garbage mixed with plastic into the water
anywhere, and restrict the dumping of other forms of gar-
bage within specified distances from shore.
A - 17 MARPOL TREATY
Boats 26 feet or longer must display a sign stating the
disposal regulations of the Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Act. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued these regula-
tions to implement Annex V of the International Conven-
tion for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, com-
monly known as Annex V of the MARPOL (Marine Pollu-
tion) Treaty 73/78. They apply to all U.S. boats wherever
they operate (except waters under the exclusive jurisdic-
tion of a State) and foreign boats operating in U.S. waters
out to and including the Exclusive Economic Zone (200
miles). It is important to know these regulations and ad-
here to them.
The regulations require U.S. recreational boaters, if your
boat is 26 feet or more in length, to affix one or more
USCG Trash Dumping Restrictions placards to your boat.
The placard warns against the discharge of plastic and
other forms of garbage within the navigable waters of the
United States and specify discharge restrictions beyond
the territorial sea. (The territorial sea generally ends three
nautical miles from the seashore.) In addition, the plac-
ard must contain the warning that a person who violates
these requirements is liable to civil ($25,000) and crimi-
nal (Imprisonment) penalties. The placard also must note
378 Vista™ Owner's Manual
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that State and local regulations may further restrict the
disposal of garbage.
Operators shall display one or more placards in a promi-
nent location and in sufficient numbers so they can be
observed and read by crew and passengers. These loca-
tions might include embarkation points, food service ar-
eas, galleys, garbage handling spaces and common deck
spaces frequented by crew and passengers. We recom-
mend that these placards may be purchased from local
marinas, boat dealerships and marine equipment suppli-
ers. A special placard is available for boats operating on
the Great Lakes.
IMPORTANT: It is illegal to discharge waste from your
marine sanitary device (toilet) into the water in most ar-
eas. It is your responsibility to be aware of and adhere to
all local laws concerning waste discharge. Consult with
the Coast Guard, local marina or your dealer for addi-
tional information.
NOTE: Some states and localities have legal limits on
speed, noise and trailer specifications. It is your respon-
sibility to be aware of these laws and limits and to insure
that your boat (and trailer) comply. Consult with your lo-
cal Marine Patrol or local Coast Guard office.
Section A
Page 7
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