Under MARPOL Annex V, what is the distinction between cargo residues that are "contained" in wash water versus those that are "not contained" in wash water, and why does this distinction matter?

A. The distinction only applies to plastic cargo residues

B. Cargo residues classified as harmful to the marine environment ("not contained" in the sense that they are not subject to other MARPOL annexes covering bulk liquids/chemicals) fall under Annex V garbage requirements and are subject to discharge restrictions and distance-from-land criteria, whereas residues already regulated under other annexes (e.g. Annex I for oil residues, Annex II for noxious liquid substances) are governed by those annexes instead

C. Residues "contained" in wash water can always be discharged anywhere, while "not contained" residues must always be incinerated

D. There is no distinction — all cargo residue washings are treated identically regardless of cargo type

A. All plastics must be retained on board for discharge to a port reception facility — discharge of plastics into the sea is prohibited under all circumstances

B. Plastics may be burned in the incinerator and the ash discharged overboard

C. Plastics can be discharged if ground down to less than 25mm

D. They may be discharged overboard once the vessel is more than 12nm from the nearest land

A. Only the engineer needs to be present; deck crew are not involved

B. SOPEP equipment only needs to be available if bunkering more than 50% of capacity

C. Nothing specific — bunkering is routine and does not need pre-checks

D. A pre-bunkering checklist completed (hose connections, drip trays, communication with the barge/terminal, spill response equipment ready and accessible), a dedicated watch maintained throughout, and SOPEP equipment immediately available