What should you do if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances?

When your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances, the correct course of action is to notify the National Response Center immediately. This is crucial because such discharges can severely impact the environment, wildlife, and water quality. Timely reporting allows for an appropriate and swift response to contain and mitigate the spill, ensuring that any potential harm is minimized.

Regulatory agencies have established protocols for responding to environmental incidents, and immediate notification is a key component of these protocols. It empowers trained professionals to take necessary actions such as containment, cleanup, and investigation, which are vital for protecting ecosystems and public health.

In contrast, ignoring the situation or hoping it resolves itself is irresponsible and can lead to serious legal repercussions as well as environmental damage. Attempting to cover the discharge with materials like sand doesn't effectively address the issue; it may worsen the situation by creating additional hazards or making tracking the spill more difficult. Prompt and proper reporting is essential in managing such incidents effectively.