In accordance with international MARPOL Annex V regulations and federal regulations under 33CFR Subchapter O, the discharge of plastics into the sea or the navigable waters of the United States is strictly prohibited. Which of following statements is true concerning the legal disposal of plastics?

Correct Answer: Option D — The garbage containing plastics must be either discharged ashore to an approved reception facility or incinerated onboard the ship.

MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all plastics into the sea. Compliance requires that plastic waste be retained onboard for discharge to an approved shore-side reception facility or destroyed via an onboard incinerator that meets MARPOL emission standards for plastic combustion.