"Discharge of Oil" placards are required on vessels of what size and up?

"Discharge of Oil" placards are mandated for vessels that are 26 feet and longer. This requirement is part of the compliance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and subsequent regulations focused on preventing oil spills into navigable waters. The placards serve as important warnings to crew members and others on board about the regulations in place concerning oil discharge.

Having a clear understanding of these regulations is vital for ensuring compliance and promoting safety in marine operations. The choice of 26 feet is based on the idea that smaller vessels may not typically engage in operations where large volumes of oil are present or could be discharged in a significant way. Therefore, vessels of 26 feet and above are considered more likely to encounter or carry oil and thus need to be informed about their responsibilities regarding oil discharge. This is particularly critical for vessels that operate in areas where environmental protection is a key concern.