At what length must foreign vessels within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have garbage placards?

Foreign vessels operating within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are required to display garbage placards if they are 40 feet in length or longer. This regulation aligns with the provisions set forth in MARPOL Annex V, which aims to prevent pollution from garbage emitted from ships. The requirement for garbage placards serves to ensure that all personnel aboard the vessel are informed of the regulations regarding waste disposal and the importance of proper waste management practices.

The placards must be in a language understood by the crew and in a location that is easily visible, reminding the crew of the rules surrounding disposal practices and reinforcing the commitment to marine environmental protection. The emphasis on the 40-foot threshold is significant because larger vessels typically generate more waste and, thus, have a greater potential to impact the marine environment if waste is not managed responsibly.