Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What should you do if oil spills on your boat?

1. Contact the local marina

2. Call the National Response Center

3. Use absorbent pads immediately

4. Ignore it if it's small

The correct answer is: Call the National Response Center

In the event of an oil spill on your boat, it is crucial to call the National Response Center. This is the correct course of action as the National Response Center is the primary federal point of contact for reporting oil spills and other hazardous substance releases in the United States. Reporting the spill is not only a legal requirement, but it also ensures that appropriate action is taken to mitigate environmental damage and prevent further contamination. They can coordinate with various agencies to respond effectively to the incident. While using absorbent pads can be an effective immediate response to a small spill, it is essential to first report the incident, especially if the spill is significant. Contacting the local marina may be helpful afterward since they might offer support or additional resources, but the priority must be on alerting the National Response Center to ensure compliance with environmental laws and safety protocols. Ignoring a small spill is not advisable as even minor spills can have serious environmental repercussions and regulatory implications.