Marine pollution prevention and environmental responsibilities
What the exam tests
Pollution questions test your legal and practical responsibilities to prevent oil, garbage and sewage pollution and to protect Hong Kong's marine environment. Small craft cause pollution mainly through refuelling, engine leaks, garbage, sewage and wash.
Core rules and concepts
- MARPOL and Hong Kong law prohibit discharge of oil and oily mixtures. Use drip trays, absorbents and sealed containers; do not pump bilges overboard if they may contain oil.
- Garbage: plastics, oil rags, batteries and fishing gear must be retained and landed at reception facilities. Food waste should not be thrown into marinas, typhoon shelters or bathing waters.
- Sewage: use holding tanks where fitted and follow local discharge restrictions, especially near beaches, shellfish beds and marine parks. Do not discharge in confined anchorages.
- Fuel transfer: close all openings, use a funnel, keep absorbent pads ready, stop transfer before tanks overflow, and never leave the nozzle unattended. Check fuel lines and bilges.
- Engine maintenance: fix leaks promptly, fit drip trays, and dispose of old oil, filters and contaminated rags ashore as oily waste.
- If a spill occurs: stop the source, contain it with booms or absorbent, do not wash it overboard, do not use dispersants without approval, report to the Marine Department and follow instructions.
- Protect marine parks, coral, seagrass and dolphins: reduce speed and wash, avoid anchoring on coral, and keep distance from wildlife.
Worked example
While refuelling at Sai Kung, the nozzle slips and diesel enters the water. You stop the pump, close the tank valve, throw absorbent pads around the spill and use a bucket to recover contaminated water. You do not use detergent to sink it. You notify the Marine Department, record what happened, and dispose of the oily pads ashore as oily waste. You check the bilge before restarting the engine.
Traps
Thinking a small spill is acceptable; using detergent or dispersant to hide oil; throwing cigarette butts, food or plastic overboard; discharging sewage in a typhoon shelter; and failing to report a spill.