A new ocean going ship of 2000 gross tons having an inoperative oily water separator may dispose of its bilge slops by __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — holding its slops onboard until they can be discharged to a shore side reception facility

MARPOL Annex I and 33 CFR 151.10 prohibit the discharge of oily mixtures into the sea if the oily water separator is inoperative. The vessel must retain all bilge slops on board for discharge to an authorized shore-side reception facility to prevent illegal pollution of the marine environment.