Vessels, Marinas and Ports
News and Updates
- On September 20, 2024, the EPA finalized a rule to establish national standards of performance for discharges from primarily large commercial vessels. Learn more about the EPA's Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance.
- The EPA recently issued an affirmative determination in response to the state of Florida's application to designate the Indian River-Vero Beach to Fort Pierce Aquatic Preserve as a vessel sewage no-discharge zone. Learn more about Florida's application and EPA's affirmative determination in the EPA's Federal Register Notice.
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Sewage Discharges
The EPA regulates sewage discharges from all vessels operating in U.S. waters through the establishment of performance standards for marine sanitation devices. The EPA also works with states to designate vessel sewage no-discharge zones.
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Commercial Vessel Discharges
Incidental discharges from commercial vessels are regulated by the EPA under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, with interim requirements in place under the Vessel General Permit.
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Recreational Vessel Discharges
The Clean Boating Act of 2008 directs the EPA to regulate incidental discharges from recreational vessels.
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Military Vessel Discharges
The EPA and the Department of the Defense jointly regulate discharges from vessels of the Armed Forces under the Uniform National Discharge Standards.
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Aquatic Nuisance Species
Vessel activity can be a pathway for the transportation and spread of aquatic nuisance species that disrupt the ecological stability of infested waters.
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Cruise Ship Studies
The EPA conducted a series of studies to characterize cruise ship discharges.