Welcome to the website where you can find answers for the Computer Based Test (CBT) also known as Crew Evaluation System (CES) on the subject «US Environmental Protection Agency and Vessel General Permit» (EPA VGP). This site will help you as a marine specialist improve your knowledge with the help of open information, where you can find questions as well as answers for them. CES/CBT based on practical information and marine specialists experience.
CES & CBT tests developed for evaluating seaman basic knowledge by Seagull Company (rebranded as «OTG»), is an evaluating online-tool, used for revealing any professional preparation needed in specific fields of knowledge, defined by STCW.
CES tests have proven themselves as good tools for the selection and recruitment process, as well as advancing the level of knowledge of the current officers and crew. Ocean Technologies Group use various subjects for question creation, which includes:
- Crowd and Crisis Management;
- Integrated Navigation System (INS);
- Ballast water management;
- Handling and Stowage;
- Vessel operation management and safety;
- Marine engineering;
- Maintenance and repair, etc.
Current test contains Seagull CES questions on the subject «EPA VGP». Those questions can be used for competence verification specialist. VGP insists that owners and operators of ships comply with certain requirements,
including that the majority of ships be insured, that their discharges meet established limits and other requirements for the contents of such wastes so that procedures are followed to remediate shortcomings and elimination of identified violations.
The topic “US Environmental Protection Agency and the General Authorization to Use Vessels” includes theoretical and practical information about the possible emissions covered by these laws. The Vessel General Permit (VGP) is a permit issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for vessels and other watercraft used in commercial operations in US waters. It regulates discharges of pollutants from these vessels to protect the environment. The permit sets standards and requirements for various types and classes of vessels and mandates the use of specific technologies and methods to manage discharges and reduce environmental impact.
This page contains answers to Seagull CES CBT (Crew Evaluation System/Computer Based Test) test about US Environmental Protection Agency and the General Authorization to Use Vessels, and serve as a database of questions and answers, using which seafarer can prepare to exams for getting certificate of competence, or just to challenge yourself with knowledge in this theme.
CBT CD 0186 – VGP.pdf
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Amount of questions: 63.
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Apart from the EPA who else is empowered to inspect ships to ensure that the Vessel General Permit (VGP) is complied with?
The US Coast Guard.
Certain classification societies.
Port authorities in the US.
Pilots in the US.
During a US Coast Guard inspection last month, they examined and tested the ship’s oily water separator. Does it need to be tested again for the annual inspection due now?
Yes.
No.
How many violations of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) is a ship guilty of if paint chips have been allowed to wash off the deck into permit waters for 8 consecutive days?
8.
16.
2.
1.
How often is a report of non-compliances required to be submitted to the EPA on behalf of each ship using the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Every time an inspection is completed.
Every year.
Every time a dry dock inspection is completed.
Every time a ship goes to dry dock.
Part of the annual inspection required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP) is a check on underwater oil seals. If this cannot be done during the year what should be done?
The annual inspection report must state that the item has not been inspected and has been scheduled for inspection at dry dock.
An inspection by EPA certified divers must be arranged.
The annual inspection report must state that the item is still considered satisfactory.
The item can be deferred until next dry dock.
The VGP requires seawater flushing of some ballast tanks on board ships engaged on a Pacific Nearshore Voyage within a “coastal exchange zone”?
Any area at least 200 miles from shore.
Any area at least 200 meters deep.
Any area at least 50 nautical miles from shore in water more than 200 meters deep.
Any of 10 designated “coastal exchange zones” situated along the US West Coast.
The Vessel General Permit (VGP) contains a list of States and Indian Country Lands. Why is this?
They have requirements extra to those in the rest of the VGP.
They have fewer requirements that those in the rest of the VGP.
All States and Indian Country Lands are listed in all US laws.
The VGP does not apply in those areas.
The Vessel General Permit (VGP) controls oil/sea interfaces like CPP and stern tube seals. Which of the following is also considered an oil/sea interface by the VGP?
Any lubricated machinery on open decks.
Oil/water mixtures on decks.
Any lubricated wire ropes and chains used externally on the ship.
Lubricated wire ropes and chains subject to immersion.
The class surveyor does not want to look at the chain locker during the current dry dock as it is not due for survey. What should be done about this to satisfy the VGP?
The master should check the chain locker has been cleaned and include that in his dry dock report.
The chain locker should be flushed out while at sea.
The master should make a written complaint to the class society.
It does not matter provided the class surveys are in date.
The ship’s Safety Equipment survey is to be carried out in a US port. Will it be acceptable to demonstrate the fire pumps to the surveyor while in port?
Yes, if the pumps such from the sea.
Yes, if the pumps suck from a ballast tank.
Yes, if an individual permit is obtained from the EPA.
No.
The weekly VGP inspection is due but the weather is bad with seas breaking across the deck and foc’sle. What should you do about this?
Make a note in the inspection report that inspection of the deck has been delayed due to unsafe conditions.
Inspect the deck from the bridge using binoculars.
Record the inspection as complete.
Send an ordinary seaman to do the inspection.
To which of the following types of ships does the Vessel General Permit (VGP) apply special requirements?
Oil and petroleum tankers.
Gas tankers.
Offshore Support Vessels.
Tugs.
When must a Notice of Intent be submitted for a ship planning to enter waters controlled by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Within 7 days of entering permit waters for the first time.
At least 7 days before entering permit waters for the first time.
At the 1st port after entering permit waters for the first time.
Every time before entering permit waters.
Which of the following best describes a specific requirement of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for oily bilge water discharges from a ship of more than 400 gross tons?
Do not discharge while in waters federally protected for conservation purposes.
Do not discharge while in permit waters.
Do not discharge within 12 miles of the US coast.
Do not discharge within 50 miles of the US coast.
Which of the following best describes a type of general discharge regulated by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Chemical cargoes.
Toxic and hazardous ship’s stores.
Oil cargoes.
Seawater cooling.
Which of the following best describes a way of meeting the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for antifouling coatings?
Comply with the International Antifouling Systems Convention.
Antifouling coatings must be certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Antifouling coatings must be certified by the US Coast Guard (USCG).
Antifouling coatings must be copper based instead of organotin.
Which of the following best describes a way of meeting the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for deck run off on a general cargo ship?
Maintain the deck areas to prevent excess corrosion and leaks.
Fit spill rails around the deck edges.
Keep a supply of oil dispersant available on deck.
Wash down the main deck area at least once a week.
Which of the following best describes how the ship can prove a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) scheme has been submitted at the correct time?
The status of NOI processing can be viewed via the EPA website.
A VGP permit is sent to the ship’s agent.
A VGP permit is e-mailed to the ship’s operators.
Proof of posting must be on board.
Which of the following best describes one of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for grey water?
Discharge of grey water while in permit waters must be minimised.
Discharge of grey water while in permit waters is not allowed.
Discharge of grey water while in port must be minimised.
Discharge of grey water while in port is not allowed.
Which of the following best describes one of the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for discharges from chain lockers?
Chain lockers must be cleaned thoroughly once a month.
Chain lockers must be cleaned thoroughly during dry docking.
Chain lockers must be coated with rubber based paint.
Anchor chains must be washed using environmentally sound detergents following any lowering into near-shore waters.
Which of the following best describes one of the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for discharges of ballast?
The person-in-charge of the discharge must be trained on the application of ballast water and sediment management and treatment procedures.
All crew members must be trained on the application of ballast water and sediment management and treatment procedures.
No discharges of ballast are allowed while in permit waters.
No discharges of ballast are allowed while in US ports.
Which of the following best describes one of the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for lifeboat engine wet exhausts?
Engines must be maintained in good order.
Engines must be run only in case of emergency.
Engines must be run only for drills and in case of emergency.
Engines must not be run.
Which of the following best describes the Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for condensate discharges from refrigeration and air conditioning plant?
Oils and toxic materials must be excluded from condensate discharges.
Condensate must be retained on board.
Condensate must be stored and discharged outside permit waters.
Condensate must be treated with biocide before discharge.
Which of the following best describes the Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for handling fouling organisms within ship’s seawater piping?
Fouling organisms must be removed regularly and, if discharged overboard, be done outside permit waters.
Fouling organisms must not be removed using biocide while in permit waters.
Fouling organisms must not be disturbed.
Fouling organisms must be prevented by continually using biocide.
Which of the following best describes the action required by the ship to ensure compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) when it returns to the US from voyages outside permit waters?
All types of scheduled inspections required by the VGP must be up to date.
All types of scheduled inspections not carried out while the ship was outside permit waters must be restarted.
A new schedule of inspections required by the VGP must be drawn up.
Entries for any inspections not carried out while the ship was outside permit waters must be signed for in the VGP record book.
Which of the following best describes the action required by the ship’s watch ratings to keep the ship compliant with the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Regular visual monitoring of the water around the ship.
Blocking up the deck scuppers.
Mopping up rain water on deck.
Careful greasing of winches and windlasses.
Which of the following best describes the action to be taken if a violation of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) discharge conditions is discovered by a crew member?
The EPA must be requested to assess the nature, cause, and potential options for eliminating the problem.
The US Coast Guard must be requested to assess the nature, cause, and potential options for eliminating the problem.
The EPA must be requested to approve the preferred option for eliminating the problem.
An assessment must be carried out by the ship into the nature, cause, and potential options for eliminating the problem.
Which of the following best describes the method of submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) scheme?
It must be submitted electronically via the EPA’s eNOI system.
It must be given to the US Coast Guard if the ship is boarded.
It must be sent via e-mail.
It must be delivered by hand to the local EPA office after the ship docks.
Which of the following best describes the nature of the annual inspections required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
A comprehensive inspection by qualified persons covering all safely accessible areas of the vessel.
A comprehensive inspection by qualified persons covering all affected areas of the vessel.
An inspection by the Chief Officer covering all safely accessible areas of the vessel.
An inspection by the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) covering all areas of the vessel.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) scheme?
If notifies the EPA what types of discharges a ship intends to make while in US waters.
It notifies the EPA which ships are in US waters at any time.
It makes it easy for the EPA to inspect a ship.
It is a way of charging permit fees.
Which of the following best describes the requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for cleaning of hull underwater areas?
In-water cleaning must minimise discharges of fouling organisms and antifouling coatings.
In-water cleaning is not allowed.
In-water cleaning is allowed only if conducted by EPA approved contractors.
In-water cleaning is not allowed within the first year after painting unless there is a significant visible hull fouling.
Which of the following best describes the requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for sewage discharge?
It is regulated, but outside the VGP.
It is not regulated by the VGP if mixed with grey water.
It is not allowed to be mixed with grey water.
The discharge must contain no metals.
Which of the following best describes the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for non-oily machinery waste water discharges into permit waters?
It must be free from toxic or bio-accumulative additives.
It must be used to dilute oily machinery waste water.
It must be passed through an oily water separator.
It must not be discharged within 1 mile of the coast.
Which of the following best describes why the Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulates seawater cooling discharges?
Seawater coolant is hot and allows alien species to grow on the outside of the hull.
Seawater coolant flows can cause seabed mud to be disturbed.
Seawater coolant is hot and contains dissolved materials from the system.
Seawater coolant is not regulated by the VGP.
Which of the following discharge sources does the Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulate?
Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel engaged in transportation.
Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel engaged in transportation or oil exploration.
Discharges from permanently moored vessels.
Discharges following damage to a vessel engaged in transportation.
Which of the following happens as a result of a 2nd prosecution for violation of the VGP?
Maximum penalties and doubled.
Minimum penalties are doubled.
Guaranteed prison term on conviction.
No changes.
Which of the following is a legal option for ships that cannot comply with the discharge standards in the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
The operator can apply for an individual permit for the ship.
The operator can apply for an exemption certificate for the ship.
The ship can exceed the VGP standards for 30 days.
The ship can exceed the VGP standards so long as the discharge is recorded.
Which of the following is a valid reason for submitting a Notice of Termination under the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
The ship is bound for a port outside permit waters.
The ship has permanently ceased operating in permit waters.
The ship is planning on being outside permit waters for over 12 months.
The ship is bound for Hawaii from the US mainland or vice versa.
Which of the following is required as part of the annual inspections required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Checking a sample of ballast tanks for sediment and flaking anodes.
Checking all ballast tanks for sediment and flaking anodes.
Checking all ballast pumps still meet original pumping rate.
Checking ballast pipework’s is not leaking.
Which of the following is the classification of a violation that can be fixed using “simple adjustments to your control measures, using existing personnel and resources” according to the VGP?
Major adjustment.
Minor adjustment.
Major renovation.
Minor renovation.
Which of the following is the maximum time normally allowed for corrective action if a violation of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) is found to have resulted in a need for replacement parts?
3 months.
3 weeks.
2 weeks.
1 month.
Which of the following is the most accurate for ships subject to the Vessel General Permit (VGP) that are over 400 gross tons and leave permit waters at least once per week?
Boiler blowdown is permitted for safety purposes.
Boiler blowdown is permitted without restriction.
Boiler blowdown is permitted no more than once per day.
No boiler blowdown is permitted.
Which of the following options is a valid reason for a master deciding not to conduct mid ocean ballast water exchange or flushing?
All ballast water is to be retained on board while the vessel is in permit waters.
All ballast water has been chlorinated to 5 ppm.
The ballast tanks are empty.
One of the ship’s ballast pumps is broken.
Which of the following was the main reason for the Vessel General Permit (VGP) being introduced in 2008?
The US National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System was created.
The US Clean Water Act came into force.
The exemption for ships in the US Clean Water Act was ruled illegal.
Pollution from ships was found to have increased rapidly.
Which of the following would be considered as a violation of the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Failure to meet any requirement of the permit.
Failure to be inspected by the US Coast Guard at least once per year.
Any shipboard procedure that was designed to minimise pollutant discharges.
Failure to be inspected by the EPA at least once per year.
Which of these documents is the US Coast Guard likely to ask to see during Port State Control inspections according to their VGP Job Aid?
A copy of the ship’s Notice of Intent.
A copy of the ship’s VGP permit.
A copy of the VGP.
A copy of the master’s VGP certificate.
Which of the following best describes the Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for discharge of swimming pool water from a cruise ship?
It must not be discharged in permit waters.
It must not be discharged in protected/conservation areas.
It can be discharged in permit waters if the ship is anchored.
It can be discharged in permit waters if it contains chlorine.
Which of the following best describes the areas that the Vessel General Permit (VGP) applies to?
US internal waters and the sea up to 3 nautical miles from the coast of the US.
Internal waters and the sea up to 3 nautical miles from the US and Canada.
US and Canadian internal waters and their territorial seas out to 3 nautical miles from land.
The sea up to 3 miles from the coast of the US and Canada.
Which of the following best describes the ballast records required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP) to be kept?
Copies of ballast water reporting forms sent to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse only.
Details of ballast to be discharged into permit waters only.
Comprehensive records, including tank capacities, filling and emptying, ballast treatment and sediment discharges.
Details of ballast to be discharged into permit waters or to a US shore facility only.
Which of the following best describes the discharges controlled by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
5 general types of discharge and 27 specific types of discharge.
5 general types of discharge.
27 specific types of discharge.
32 specific types of discharge.
Which of the following best describes the form of record keeping required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Written records must be kept, in any form that suits the operator.
Written records must be kept at a place within the US.
Computer records must be kept, in a format to suit the EPA.
Records must be uploaded to the EPA website, or otherwise sent to the EPA.
Which one of the following best describes the requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for liquids collected in elevator shaft pits?
In permit waters it must be discharged overboard through an oily water separator.
No discharges are allowed in permit waters.
Discharges in permit waters are allowed.
Discharges in permit waters are allowed if the ship is sailing at more than 6 knots.
Which one of the following best describes the ships that are allowed to use the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Commercial ships over 79 feet long.
Commercial ships over 79 feet long and non-recreational vessels.
Non-recreational vessels that carry more than 8 m3 of ballast.
All commercial ships.
Which one of the following best describes the ships that must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) in order to be allowed to use the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Ships over 300 GT.
Ships over 300 GT or those that carry more than 8 m3 of ballast.
Ships that carry more than 8 m3 of ballast.
All commercial ships.
Which one of the following best describes the specific requirements of the Vessel General Permit (VGP) for fire main discharges while in conservation areas?
Only allowed in case of emergency or for anchor wash downs.
Only allowed for anchor wash downs.
Only allowed in case of emergency.
Only allowed for drills, in case of emergency or for anchor wash downs.
Which one of the following best describes the weekly inspections required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
A visual inspection of all deck and engine room areas.
A visual inspection of safely accessible deck and cargo areas and areas where chemicals, oils, dry cargo or other materials are stored, mixed and used.
A visual inspection of all deck and cargo areas and areas where chemicals, oils, dry cargo or other materials are stored, mixed and used.
An inspection of safely accessible deck and cargo areas including testing of water on deck or in bilges for oil.
Which one of the following is a recommended way to minimise environmental harm from seawater cooling discharges according to the VGP?
Regularly clean strainers to remove alien organisms.
Maximise seawater flow rates.
Keep the system dosed with lots of biocide.
Install an oil separator in the overboard line.
Which one of the following is a specific requirement for oil tankers in the VGP?
Plug scuppers before cargo operations.
An inert gas plant must be in use.
An inert gas plant must not be in use.
Deck seal supply pumps must be stopped.
Which one of the following is required as part of the dry dock inspections required by the Vessel General Permit (VGP)?
Cathodic protection anodes be cleaned and/or replaced to reduce flaking.
The antifouling paint must be renewed.
Oil lubricated shaft seals must be opened up for inspection.
Anchor chains must be ranged for inspection.
Which one of the following most accurately describes the way to handle gas turbine wash water while in VGP permit waters?
It may be discharged overboard via an oily water separator or discharged ashore.
It must be collected for discharge ashore.
It must have its acidity reduced before discharge overboard.
It must have solids filtered out before discharge overboard.
Which one of the following options would best contribute to meeting VGP discharge requirements for decks?
Keep decks clear of garbage.
Discharge all garbage overboard while at sea.
Wash decks down regularly while in permit waters.
Use copper based paint on deck.
Which organisation is responsible for the Vessel General Permit?
The US Coast Guard.
The Environmental Protection Agency.
The IMO.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
While a ship is regulated by the Vessel General Permit (VGP) how often would you expect its crew to monitor the ballast water treatment plant for correct operation?
Every 3 months.
At least once a week.
At least once a month.
At least once a year.
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