Regulations last checked for updates: Dec 19, 2025

Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters last revised: Dec 12, 2025
§ 151.61 - Inspection for compliance and enforcement.

While within the navigable waters of the United States or the Exclusive Economic Zone, a ship is subject to inspection by the Coast Guard or other authorized federal agency to determine if-

(a) The ship has been operating in accordance with these regulations and has not discharged plastics or other garbage in violation of the provisions of the Act or Annex V of MARPOL;

(b) Grinders or comminuters used for the discharge of garbage between 3 and 12 nautical miles from nearest land are capable of reducing the size of garbage so that it will pass through a screen with openings no greater than 25 millimeters (one inch);

(c) Information for recordkeeping requirements, when required under § 151.55, is properly and accurately logged;

(d) A garbage management plan, when required under § 151.57, is on board and that the condition of the ship, equipment and operational procedures of the ship meet the plan; and

(e) Placards, when required by § 151.59, are posted on board.

[CGD 88-002, 54 FR 18405, Apr. 28, 1989, as amended by CGD 88-002A, 55 FR 18583, May 2, 1990; USCG-2012-1049, 78 FR 13492, Feb. 28, 2013]
authority: 33 U.S.C. 1902,1903,1908; 46 U.S.C. 6101; 46 U.S.C. 70034; Pub. L. 104-227, 110 Stat. 3034; sec. 623, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1063; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4
cite as: 33 CFR 151.61