Coast Guard Exams
Question 317Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer70% to pass

Bilges may be pumped _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is C) overboard through an oily-water separator. Bilges may be pumped overboard through an oily-water separator, as this is the only legal and environmentally responsible way to discharge bilge water. Regulations prohibit the direct overboard discharge of oily bilge water, as this would violate pollution prevention laws. An oily-water separator is required to remove oil from the bilge water before it can be legally discharged. The other answer choices are incorrect, as pumping bilges on the outgoing tide, overboard after dark, or during an emergency without an oily-water separator would all be illegal and environmentally harmful practices.