Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP)

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United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) 

SMALL VESSEL GENERAL PERMIT FOR DISCHARGES 

INCIDENTAL TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF 

VESSELS LESS THAN 79 FEET (sVGP)

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE

NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et 

seq.), the owner or operator of any non-recreational, non-military vessel less than 79 feet in 

length that is operating in a capacity as a means of transportation, and is eligible for permit 

coverage under Part 1.1 of this permit is authorized to discharge into waters subject to this permit 

in accordance with the requirements set forth in this permit. 

Required best management practices are found in Part 2. Additional requirements are set forth in 

Parts 3 and 4 of this permit. 

This permit becomes effective on [insert FR publication]. 

This permit and the authorization to discharge expire at midnight, [insert date 5 years]. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 WATERS COVERED/GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE ......................................................................................................... 1

1.3 OBTAINING COVERAGE UNDER THIS PERMIT................................................................................................... 1

1.4 VESSEL DISCHARGES ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE.............................................................................................. 1

1.5 VESSEL DISCHARGES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE...................................................................................... 1

2. EFFLUENT LIMITS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................... 2

2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 FUEL MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................................................ 3

2.3 ENGINE AND OIL CONTROL.............................................................................................................................. 4

2.4 SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................... 5

2.5 DECK WASHDOWN AND RUNOFF AND ABOVE WATER LINE HULL CLEANING ................................................ 5

2.6 VESSEL HULL MAINTENANCE.......................................................................................................................... 5

2.7 GRAYWATER.................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.8 FISH HOLD EFFLUENT...................................................................................................................................... 7

2.9 BALLAST WATER ............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.10 SEAWATER COOLING OVERBOARD DISCHARGE .......................................................................................... 8

2.11 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER STATUTES AND REGULATIONS .......................................................................... 8

3. MONITORING AND RECORDKEEPING.................................................................................................... 9

3.1 RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 QUARTERLY VISUAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................................... 9

4. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................. 9

4.1 CONTINUATION OF THIS PERMIT ...................................................................................................................... 9

4.2 ALTERNATIVE PERMITS ................................................................................................................................. 10

4.2.1 Permittee Requesting Coverage under an Alternative Permit.............................................................10

4.3 PERMIT COMPLIANCE.....................................................................................................................................11

4.4 DUTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................11

4.5 INSPECTION AND ENTRY ................................................................................................................................11

4.6 PROPERTY RIGHTS .........................................................................................................................................12

4.7 SEVERABILITY ...............................................................................................................................................12

4.8 STATE LAWS ..................................................................................................................................................12

4.9 FEDERAL LAWS..............................................................................................................................................12

4.10 STANDARD PERMIT CONDITIONS...............................................................................................................12

4.11 WATER-QUALITY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................13

4.11.1 Dischargers to Water Quality Impaired Waters .............................................................................13

4.12 GENERAL PROVISIONS...............................................................................................................................14

5. STATE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................14

6. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................14

7. EPA REGIONAL CONTACTS ......................................................................................................................19

8. APPENDIX A – PERMIT AUTHORIZATION AND RECORD OF INSPECTION (PARI) FORM .....20

9. APPENDIX B – ANNUAL NON-COMPLIANCE FORM...........................................................................22
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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1. OVERVIEW

1.1 ELIGIBILITY

All non-recreational, non-military vessels less than 79 feet (24.08 meters) in length are 

eligible for coverage under this permit. This permit applies to all vessels that operate in “waters 

covered” as defined in Part 1.2 of the permit and is applicable to discharges incidental to the 

normal operation of vessels identified in Part 1.4 of the permit.

1.2 WATERS COVERED/GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

This permit is applicable to discharges from vessels identified in Part 1.1 of this permit into 

waters subject to this permit, which are “waters of the United States” as defined in 40 Code of 

Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 122.2. Waters subject to this permit extend to the outer reach of 

the 3 mile territorial sea as defined in section 502(8) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and include 

all navigable waters of the Great Lakes subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 

1.3 OBTAINING COVERAGE UNDER THIS PERMIT

Vessel owner/operators must complete the Permit Authorization and Record of Inspection 

Form (PARI) available in Appendix A and retain it onboard their vessel. Completion of this 

form provides written certification that the vessel owner/operator has read and understood the 

terms of the permit. Part IV of this form also provides written certification that the vessel 

owner/operator has conducted the required quarterly visual inspections found in Part 3 of this 

permit.

All vessels eligible for coverage will receive coverage starting on December 19, 2013, 

provided you have signed the sVGP Permit Authorization and Record of Inspection Form and 

maintain a copy onboard your vessel. 

1.4 VESSEL DISCHARGES ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE

Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel are covered unless they are listed in

Part 1.5 of this permit. Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, when operating 

as a means of transportation, include, but are not limited to, anti-foulant hull coating leachate, 

bilgewater, deck runoff, fish hold effluent, graywater, non-contact engine cooling water, packing 

gland effluent, and underwater hull husbandry. For the purposes of this permit, not all vessel 

discharges are considered incidental to normal operation of a vessel (e.g. industrial discharges). 

1.5 VESSEL DISCHARGES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE

The following types of discharges are not authorized under this permit: 

Vessel Discharges not Incidental to the Normal Operation of the Vessel 

Discharges that are not incidental to the normal operation of the vessel operating in a 

capacity as a means of transportation are not authorized under this permit. These discharges are 

described in 40 CFR 122.3 and include, but are not limited to, discharges from industrial 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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operations (e.g., seafood processing), medical waste as defined in 33 § U.S.C. 1362(20), and 

noxious liquid substance residues subject to 33 CFR Part 151, Subpart A. 

Sewage 

Sewage discharges from vessels, as defined in the Clean Water Act section 502(6) and 40 

CFR § 122.2, are not required to obtain NPDES permits. Instead, these discharges are regulated 

under section 312 of the CWA, 40 CFR Part 140 and 33 CFR Part 159. 

Used or Spent Oil 

Discharges of used or spent oil no longer being used for their intended purposes are not 

eligible for coverage under this permit. 

Garbage or Trash 

Discharges of rubbish, trash, garbage, or other such materials discharged overboard are not 

eligible for coverage under this permit. 

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) Degreasers and Other Products 

Discharges of tetrachloroethylene degreasers or other products containing tetrachloroethylene 

are not eligible for coverage under this permit. 

Discharges Currently or Previously Covered by Another NPDES Permit

Vessel discharges covered, as of the effective date of this permit, under an individual NPDES 

permit or another NPDES general permit are not eligible for coverage under this permit, unless 

those discharges are covered by EPA’s December 2008 Vessel General Permit, or unless EPA 

provides written authorization for coverage to be obtained for such discharges under this permit. 

Discharges from vessels covered by any NPDES permit that has been or is in the process of 

being denied, terminated, or revoked by EPA or state permitting authorities (this does not apply 

to the routine reissuance of permits every five years), unless EPA provides written authorization 

for coverage to be obtained for such discharges under this permit. 

2. EFFLUENT LIMITS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS

In the limits below and throughout this permit, the term “minimize” means reduce and/or 

eliminate to the extent achievable using control measures (including best management practices) 

that are technologically available and economically practicable and achievable in light of best 

marine practice. 

You may not add any constituents to any discharge that are not incidental to the normal 

operation of a vessel.
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All discharges from your vessel must meet the following standards: 

(a) Minimize the potential for substances or pollutants to accidentally enter the effluent, 

including spills. 

(b) May not contain visible garbage in the effluent. 

(c) May not use any dispersants, cleaners, chemicals, or other materials or emulsifiers

that would remove the appearance of a visible sheen1. 

(d) Minimize the introduction of constituents of concern or pollutants, such as foam or 

floating solids. 

(e) Oil, including oily mixtures, may not be discharged in quantities that may be harmful 

or cause a visible sheen. 

(f) The discharge of antifreeze into waters subject to this permit must be minimized. For 

vessel engines that have been winterized, minimization can be achieved by draining 

antifreeze from the engine prior to startup or capturing antifreeze when discharged 

from the engine upon startup. The discharge of antifreeze with toxic or known 

carcinogenic additives, such as ethylene glycol and methanol, is prohibited. 

(g) When feasible, cleaning, maintenance, and repair jobs should be done while the 

vessel is out of the water or in drydock.

(h) Any soaps, detergents or cleaners used must be non-toxic, phosphate-free, and 

biodegradable. Phosphate-free soap contains by weight 0.5% or less of phosphates or 

derivatives of phosphates. 

(i) Any spill of oil or other harmful chemicals that are discharged in a quantity that may 

be harmful or cause a visible sheen as established under 40 CFR Part 110, 40 CFR 

Part 117, or 40 CFR Part 302, must be reported immediately to the National Response 

Center at 1-800-424-8802. The National Response Center can also be contacted 

through their website at: www.nrc.uscg.mil. 

2.2 FUEL MANAGEMENT

(a) All motorized vessels constructed on or after December 19, 2013 must have a 

functioning fuel-air separator or a fuel tank vent to prevent a fuel spill. 

(b) Prevent overfilling and do not top off your fuel tanks. 

(c) For motorized vessels, if the vessel does not have a functioning fuel-air separator or a 

fuel tank vent, you must use an oil absorbent material or other appropriate device 

while fueling the vessel to prevent any oil from entering waters subject to this permit.

(d) Regularly inspect the fuel and hydraulic systems for any damage or leaks.

 

1 40 CFR 110.4 states that: “addition of dispersants or emulsifiers to oil to be discharged that would circumvent 

the provisions of this part is prohibited.” 33 CFR Part 151.10 (g) states that: “No discharge into the sea shall 

contain chemicals or other substances introduced for the purpose of circumventing the conditions of discharge 

specified in this regulation.
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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(e) Unless impracticable, fill portable tanks onshore, instead of on the dock or on your 

vessel.

2.3 ENGINE AND OIL CONTROL

(a) Periodically inspect the engine for any loose or leaking hoses, gaskets, and/or seals

and if needed, repair or replace damaged parts as soon as possible. 

(b) Place oil absorbent material or other spill response equipment under the vessel engine

or use other preventative practices to minimize oil entering the bilgewater.

(c) Any spill or overflow of oil or other engine fluids must be cleaned up immediately. 

A supply of absorbent pads, pillows, or other materials should be kept onboard as 

appropriate for use in addressing or remediating any such spills or overflows, and 

supplies should be checked quarterly and restocked as necessary.

(d) Dispose of used oil-absorbent materials onshore in containers designed for oily waste 

disposal. 

(e) If the vessel has a bilge oily water separator, periodically check for the presence of a 

visible sheen in surrounding waters while discharging. 

o If a visible sheen is observed as a result of this discharge, suspend discharge until the 

problem is corrected and clean up immediately. 

(f) If you do not use a U.S. Coast Guard type-approved bilge oily water separator, use an 

oil-absorbent material to remove any oil from the bilge before discharging. 

(g) Any discharge of packing gland or stuffing box effluent must not contain oil, 

including oily materials, in quantities that may be harmful. These discharges must 

not produce a visible sheen of oil or oily materials. 

o If accessible, segregated water which contains drips from packing gland effluent 

or stuffing box effluent must be checked daily for the presence of a visible 

sheen, while the vessel is operational and manned. If not accessible while the 

vessel is operational and manned, then the surrounding water must be checked 

for the presence of a visible sheen (while operating). If a visible sheen is 

observed, appropriate measures such as the use of oil absorbent materials must 

be used to remove the presence of oil before the effluent may be discharged. 

Dispersants or emulsifiers that remove the appearance of a visible sheen must 

not be used. 

o If a visible sheen is observed in surrounding waters as a result of this discharge, 

suspend the discharge until the problem is corrected and clean up immediately. 

(h) Unless technically infeasible, you must use environmentally acceptable lubricants (as 

defined in Part 6 of this permit) in all machinery and equipment, including but not 

limited to stern tubes, wires, and two-stroke engines, where discharges of oil to 

surrounding waters are likely to occur. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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(i) Unless infeasible, prior to pumping the bilge, inspect the bilgewater for an oily sheen. 

While pumping the bilge, examine the surrounding water for the presence of a visible 

sheen.

o If a visible sheen is observed as a result of this bilge pumping, suspend the 

discharge until the problem is corrected and clean up immediately.

(j) Dispersants, detergents, emulsifiers, chemicals or other substances that remove the 

appearance of a visible sheen may not be added to the bilge. 

2.4 SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT

(a) Prevent trash or garbage, including food waste, cigarette butts, bottles, and caps from 

entering any waste stream covered by this permit. This can be accomplished in part, 

by maintaining a tidy deck.

(b) All vessels must have appropriate receptacles for retaining trash or garbage onboard 

the vessel. Examples of appropriate receptacles include secured trash bags or coolers, 

bins, or trash cans with secure lids. Store any used antifreeze, paint, out-of-date 

flares, or other toxics in secure containers and dispose of them properly at onshore 

disposal facilities.

(c) Secure or otherwise prevent loose items on deck from entering any waste stream 

covered by this permit. 

(d) Prevent monofilament line, fishing nets, lines, lures, rope, bait boxes, and hooks from 

entering any waste stream covered by this permit. 

2.5 DECK WASHDOWN AND RUNOFF AND ABOVE WATER LINE HULL CLEANING

(a) Use all soaps and cleaners as directed by the label. 

(b) Any soaps, detergents, or cleaners used on the vessel must be non-toxic, phosphatefree, and biodegradable. The use of soaps that are labeled toxic or highly toxic is 

prohibited under this permit. 

(c) Prevent the introduction of on-deck debris, garbage, residue, and spills into deck 

washdown and runoff discharges. 

(d) Minimize the discharge of paint chips and residue, especially during cleaning, 

maintenance, paint application, and reapplication. When performing these activities, 

collect and then dispose of chips and residues onshore in accordance with applicable 

requirements for the facility where operations are performed. 

2.6 VESSEL HULL MAINTENANCE

(a) If the vessel is equipped with an anti-foulant system, you must minimize the impact 

of that system or the discharges resulting from anti-foulant paints on the aquatic 

environment. 

o You should consider whether the use of non-copper based paints adequately 

meets your anti-foulant needs and use less toxic alternatives to the extent 

practicable and available. 
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o Where drying or hull cleaning at haul-out is adequate for managing fouling 

(e.g., for vessels that are hauled frequently or for over-winter storage), do not 

use anti-fouling coatings if not needed. 

Discharges of tributyltin (TBT) are prohibited (zero-discharge standard). Two 

potential ways to meet this standard are to: 

o Have no TBT coatings; or

o Have an effective overcoating that completely eliminates TBT discharges.

(b) Do not clean anti-foulant paint which releases biocides for the first 90 days after 

application. 

(c) If the anti-foulant paint requires cleaning, gently clean hulls on a regular basis (this 

minimizes the need for stronger cleaners and more abrasive brushes). 

(d) When cleaning hulls coated with anti-fouling paint while the vessel is in the water, 

use only soft sponges. You must examine the water while cleaning to assure that you 

are not causing a plume of paint to form. Stop immediately if any visible plume of 

paint appears in the water. Consider hiring a qualified, professional hull cleaner to do 

the work, and ensure that they follow environmental guidelines. 

(e) When cleaning hulls coated with anti-fouling paint while the vessel is out of the 

water, always work away from the water in a location where paint chips and dust will 

not be washed into the water. Place a tarp under the area to catch loose particles, and 

properly dispose of paint chips, dust, and other particles. If you are working in an 

area that is covered by an NPDES permit (e.g. marina or drydock), you must follow 

the cleaning requirements of that permit.

(f) Vessel hulls must be periodically inspected, and if necessary, cleaned to prevent the 

spread or dispersal of potentially invasive species. 

(g) Minimize the transport of any visible living aquatic organisms from one waterbody to 

another by regularly cleaning and maintaining the hull.

(h) Prior to transporting the vessel from one waterbody to another overland, you must 

inspect the visible areas of the vessel for any attached or visible stowaway living 

organisms. If organisms are found, they must be removed and appropriately 

discarded onshore. Removed organisms may not be discharged into waters subject to 

this permit.

2.7 GRAYWATER

(a) Minimize graywater discharges in areas that have heavy vessel traffic or heavy

recreational use and in marine sanctuaries, national wildlife refuges, national wild and 

scenic rivers, and national wilderness areas. If the vessel has the capacity to store 

graywater in these waters, it should be stored and later discharged in other waters or 

onshore. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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(b) Minimize the production of graywater while the vessel is stationary in confined 

waters (e.g., marinas, harbors). If the vessel has the capacity to store graywater, it 

should be stored and discharged at an appropriately equipped onshore facility or 

discharged while the vessel is underway. 

(c) You must use soaps, detergents and cleaners that are phosphate free, non-toxic, and 

biodegradable for any activities that may result in their introduction into graywater. 

Excess oils, including animal fats and vegetable oils, used during cooking must not be 

added to the graywater system or into any other discharge covered by this permit. 

2.8 FISH HOLD EFFLUENT

(a) If you are unloading your catch at a shore-based seafood processor or other pier and a 

shore-based discharge facility is available and economically achievable, you must 

discharge your effluent (including dirty ice) to that shore-based facility instead of 

discharging to surrounding waters. 

(b) Do not discard any unused bait overboard, unless you caught that bait in that 

waterbody or watershed. Unused bait purchased from a bait shop or dealer may not be 

discharged overboard. 

(c) Minimize the discharge of fish hold water or ice while in port. All reasonable steps 

must be taken to prevent the discharge of excess fish hold water and ice while the 

vessel is stationary at the pier. If solid fish waste is contained in the fish hold 

effluent, the fish hold effluent may not be discharged while in port, unless a physical 

separation method is used (e.g. filters or removal of residuals). 

(d) When cleaning your fish hold, you must use non-toxic, phosphate-free, and 

biodegradable soaps and cleaners. Furthermore, while pierside and stationary, you 

may not wash any residual solids into surrounding waters. 

2.9 BALLAST WATER

Vessels with 8 cubic meters or greater of ballast water capacity that discharge ballast water 

are not authorized to discharge under this permit, and must instead seek coverage under the 

EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP). 

If your vessel has less than 8 cubic meters of ballast water capacity, you must: 

(a) Avoid the discharge or uptake of ballast water in areas within, or that may directly

affect, marine sanctuaries, marine preserves, marine parks, shellfish beds, or coral 

reefs. 

(b) Minimize or avoid uptake of ballast water in the following areas and situations: 

o Areas known to have infestations or populations of harmful organisms and 

pathogens (e.g., toxic algal blooms). 

o Areas near sewage outfalls. 

o Areas near dredging operations. 
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o Areas where tidal flushing is known to be poor or times when a tidal stream is 

known to be turbid. 

o In darkness, when bottom-dwelling organisms may rise up in the water column. 

o Where propellers may stir up the sediment. 

o Areas with pods of whales, convergence zones, and boundaries of major 

currents. 

(c) If you discharge ballast water into waters covered by this permit, discharge only the 

minimal amount of ballast water essential for vessel operations.

(d) When feasible, use one of the following measures to reduce the potential for transfer 

or introduction of organisms to waters of the U.S.: 

o Use potable water for ballasting. 

o Utilize onshore treatment or disposal methods for ballast water.

o For vessels that conduct fixed routes, capture and reuse ballast water in each 

port. 

2.10 SEAWATER COOLING OVERBOARD DISCHARGE 

(a) When possible, seawater cooling overboard should be discharged when the vessel is 

underway to minimize any thermal impacts to the receiving water. 

(b) To reduce the production and discharge of seawater cooling overboard discharge, 

EPA recommends that vessel owner/operators use shore-based power when the vessel 

is in port if: 

o Shore power is readily available for vessel owner/operators from utilities or port 

authorities;

o Shore-based power supply systems are capable of providing all needed 

electricity required for vessel operations; and

o The vessel is equipped to connect to shore-based power and such systems are 

compatible with the available shore power. 

2.11 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

As a condition of this permit, discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel 

subject to this permit must be in compliance with all applicable Federal laws. Applicable 

Federal laws follow: 

(a) Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 § U.S.C. 1321 and its implementing 

regulations, including 40 CFR Part 110 

(b) National Marine Sanctuaries Act, 16 § U.S.C. 1431 et seq. and its implementing 

regulations found at 15 CFR Part 922 and 50 CFR Part 404 
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(c) United States Department of Agriculture Federal Noxious Weed Act, 7 § U.S.C. 2801 

et seq. and its implementing regulations found at 7 CFR Part 360 

(d) Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 33 §U.S.C. 1901 et seq. 

(e) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 § U.S.C. 136 et seq.

3. MONITORING AND RECORDKEEPING

3.1 RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

• All vessel owner/operators must read and sign the PARI Form found in Appendix A of 

this permit. This form must be signed and kept on board the vessel at all times to 

maintain valid sVGP coverage. 

• The vessel owner/operator must conduct quarterly visual inspections in accordance with 

Part 3.2 of this permit and certify that the inspections were completed on the PARI Form. 

3.2 QUARTERLY VISUAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

• Vessel owner/operators must conduct a quarterly visual inspection of each vessel covered 

by this permit. The inspection can be conducted by you or your authorized 

representative. The inspection must cover all discharges and all applicable areas which 

impact discharges covered by the permit and at minimum, the visible portions of the hull. 

The inspection must ensure that all areas are clear of garbage, exposed raw materials, oil, 

or any other materials that could be discharged into any waste stream or receiving waters 

and that there is no uncontrolled or unmanaged sources of these pollutants. 

• While the vessel engine is operating, frequently check the area around and behind the 

vessel to ensure that no visible sheen, dust, chemicals, or discoloration is originating from 

the vessel.

• Check to ensure that all equipment on board is in proper working condition. This 

equipment includes, as appropriate, oily water separators, monitors, bilges, pumps, and 

generators.

• Check all protective seals for lubrication and hydraulic oil leaks.

• During the quarterly visual inspection, you must document any problem(s) requiring 

corrective action and corrective actions that were taken to resolve the problem(s). The 

dates of these inspections must be documented on the sVGP PARI Form along with any 

corrective actions taken.

4. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 CONTINUATION OF THIS PERMIT

If this permit is not reissued or replaced prior to the expiration date, it will be 

administratively continued in accordance with section 558(c) of the Administrative Procedure 

Act and EPA regulations at 40 CFR Part 122.6 and all permit limitations and conditions will

remain in force and effect for discharges that were covered prior to expiration. If you were 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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granted permit coverage prior to the expiration date, you will automatically remain covered by 

this permit until the earliest of: 

• Your authorization for coverage under a reissuance or replacement of this permit; or 

• Issuance of a new general permit which covers your vessel discharges or vessel type and 

provides you coverage without requiring you to submit a notice of intent to obtain 

coverage; or 

• Issuance or denial of an individual permit for the vessel’s discharges; or 

• A formal permit decision by EPA not to reissue this general permit, at which time EPA 

will identify a reasonable time period for covered dischargers to seek coverage under an 

alternative general permit or an individual permit. Coverage under this permit will cease 

at the end of this time period.

4.2 ALTERNATIVE PERMITS 

Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 122.28(b)(3), EPA may require you to apply for an individual 

NPDES permit or an alternative NPDES general permit. Any interested person may petition EPA 

to take action under this paragraph. If EPA requires you to apply for an individual NPDES 

permit, EPA will notify you in writing that a permit application is required. This notification will 

include a brief statement of the reasons for this decision and will provide application information 

for alternative permits. In addition, if you are an existing permittee authorized to discharge 

under this permit, the notice will set a deadline to file the permit application, and will include a 

statement that on the effective date of the individual NPDES permit, or the alternative general 

permit as it applies to you, coverage under this general permit will terminate. EPA may grant 

additional time to submit the application if you request it. If you are covered under this permit 

and fail to submit an individual NPDES permit application as required by EPA, then your 

coverage under this permit is terminated at midnight on the day specified by EPA as the deadline 

for application submittal. In addition, if EPA denies your application for an individual NPDES 

permit, you are also not authorized to discharge under this general permit. 

When an individual NPDES permit is issued to you or you are authorized to discharge under 

an alternative NPDES general permit, your coverage under this permit is terminated on the 

effective date of the individual permit or the date of authorization of coverage under the 

alternative general permit. 

4.2.1 Permittee Requesting Coverage under an Alternative Permit

You may request to be excluded from coverage under this general permit by applying for an 

individual permit. In such a case, you must submit an individual permit application in 

accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR Part 122.21 with reasons supporting the request, to 

EPA at the appropriate EPA Regional Office(s) listed in Part 13 of this permit, no later than 90 

days after the date of publication of final permit in the Federal Register. The request may be 

granted by issuance of an individual permit or authorizing coverage under an alternative general 

permit if your reasons are adequate to support the request. A source excluded from this general 

permit solely because it already has an individual permit may request that the individual permit 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

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be revoked, and that it be covered by this general permit. Upon revocation of the individual 

permit, this general permit shall apply to the source. 

When an individual NPDES permit is issued to you or you are authorized to discharge under 

an alternative NPDES general permit, your authorization to discharge under this permit is 

terminated on the effective date of the individual permit or the date of authorization of coverage 

under the alternative general permit.

4.3 PERMIT COMPLIANCE

Any noncompliance with the requirements of this permit constitutes a violation of the Clean 

Water Act. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation of this permit. 

The CWA provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders 

inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this permit shall, 

upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not 

more than 2 years, or both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first 

conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more than $20,000 

per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both. The Act further 

provides that any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or 

certification in any record or other document submitted or required to be maintained under this 

permit, including monitoring reports or reports of compliance or non-compliance shall, upon 

conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for 

not more than 6 months per violation, or by both. In addition, false statements or representations, 

as well as alterations or false entries in documents, may be punishable by more severe criminal 

penalties pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1001 or 18 U.S.C. §1519. 

To provide clarity for the permittee, there are additional reminders in certain sections of this 

permit about what constitutes a permit violation. The absence of such a reminder in a particular 

section does not mean that failure to meet that requirement is not a permit violation.

4.4 DUTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

EPA may request any information required to determine whether cause exists for modifying, 

revoking and reissuing, or terminating this permit, or to determine compliance with this permit. 

You must provide any requested information within a reasonable time following the request. 

4.5 INSPECTION AND ENTRY

The vessel owner or operator shall allow EPA or an authorized representative to: 

1. Inspect any vessel, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, 

or operations regulated or required under this permit; and 

2. Sample or monitor, for the purpose of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise 

authorized by the Act, any substances or parameters at any location. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

12 

Authorized representatives include the U.S. Coast Guard, an authorized contractor acting as a 

representative of the Administrator or Director, or an appropriate state agency. Authorized 

representatives should present their credentials to the vessel owner or operator before inspecting 

or entering any vessel. 

This section does not limit or replace EPA’s authorities under Section 308 of the CWA, 

including the authority to enter, access, inspect, sample, monitor, and obtain information to 

verify compliance with the CWA.

4.6 PROPERTY RIGHTS

The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights of any sort, or any exclusive 

privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, 

nor any infringement of federal, state, or local laws or regulations. 

4.7 SEVERABILITY

Invalidation of a portion of this permit does not necessarily render the whole permit invalid. 

The permit stands even if portions are remanded unless, as a result of the remand, the permit 

would not meet the minimum legal requirements for NPDES permits under the CWA or its 

implementing regulations.

4.8 STATE LAWS

Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or 

relieve the Permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any 

applicable state law or regulation under authority preserved by section 510 of the CWA. 

4.9 FEDERAL LAWS

Nothing in this permit shall be construed to affect, supersede, or relieve the vessel owner or 

operator of any otherwise applicable requirements or prohibitions under other provisions of 

Federal law or regulations.

4.10 STANDARD PERMIT CONDITIONS

Permittees must follow all standard conditions required in 40 CFR Part 122.41. 

As required by 40 CFR Part 122.44(p), you must comply with any applicable regulations 

promulgated by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, that 

establish specifications for transportation, handling, carriage, and storage of pollutants. 

In addition, discharges under this permit into the Great Lakes System (as defined in 40 CFR 

Part 132.2) must comply with any conditions promulgated by the State, Tribe, or EPA pursuant 

to 40 CFR Part 132 that are applicable to the discharges that are incidental to the normal 

operation of your vessel. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

13 

Additionally note that the standard permit condition at 40 CFR 122.44(i)(5) requires all 

instances of noncompliance be reported to EPA at least once per year. A list of appropriate 

Region contacts can be found on the EPA webpage at 

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/monitoringreporting.cfm. 

As a requirement of the sVGP, noncompliance reports for the previous calendar year must be 

reported by February 28th of the following calendar year. The sVGP contains an annual noncompliance form in Appendix B which must be used when submitting non-compliance reports.

4.11 WATER-QUALITY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS

The requirements in this Part constitute the water quality-based effluent limitations in this 

permit. These water-quality-based effluent limitations supplement this permit’s technologybased limitations in Parts 2 and 3 of this permit.

Your discharge must be controlled as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards in 

the receiving waterbody or another waterbody impacted by your discharges. EPA expects that 

compliance with the other conditions in this permit will control discharges as necessary to meet 

applicable water quality standards. If at any time you become aware, or EPA determines, that 

your discharge causes or contributes to an exceedance of applicable water quality standards, you 

must take action to bring your vessel discharge into compliance, and you must report 

exceedances of water quality standards and the steps you take to bring your vessel into 

compliance on your annual noncompliance report. 

EPA may impose additional water quality-based limitations on a site-specific basis or require 

you to obtain coverage under an individual permit if any information indicates that your 

discharges are not controlled as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards, either in 

the receiving waterbody or another waterbody impacted by your discharges. EPA or an 

authorized representative of EPA may inform vessel operators of specific requirements. 

4.11.1 Dischargers to Water Quality Impaired Waters

Impaired waters or “water quality limited segment[s]” are those which have been identified 

by a State or EPA pursuant to Section 303(d) of the CWA as not meeting applicable State water 

quality standards. Impaired waters may include both waters with EPA-approved or EPAestablished Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and those for which EPA has not yet 

approved or established a TMDL. 

If you discharge to an impaired water without an EPA-approved or established TMDL, you 

are required to comply with the requirements of this section, including any additional 

requirements that EPA may impose pursuant to this section. Note that this provision also applies 

to situations where EPA determines that your discharge is not controlled as necessary to meet 

water quality standards in another water body, even if your discharge is to a receiving water that 

is not specifically identified on a Section 303(d) list. 

If you discharge to an impaired water with an EPA-approved or established TMDL and EPA 

or state TMDL authorities have informed you that a Waste Load Allocation (WLA) has been 

established that applies specifically to your vessel’s discharges, to discharges from vessels in 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

14 

your vessel class or type, or to discharges from vessels in general if applicable, your discharge 

must be consistent with the assumptions and requirements of that WLA. If such a WLA exists, 

EPA will inform you if any additional limits or controls are necessary for your discharges to be 

consistent with the assumptions of any available WLA in the TMDL, or whether an individual 

permit application is necessary in accordance with Part 4.2. Note that this provision also applies 

to situations where EPA determines that your discharges are covered by the WLA in an EPAapproved or established TMDL for another water body, even if your discharge is to a receiving 

water that is not specifically identified on a Section 303(d) list.

If an applicable TMDL exists either individually or categorically for your vessel or vessel 

class (including disallowing discharges from your vessel), EPA and/or state TMDL agencies will 

inform vessel operators of specific requirements via dock side postings, information made 

available from the Captain of the Port, or by specifically contacting your vessel. 

4.12 GENERAL PROVISIONS

Note that:

• All requirements in this permit to comply with statutes and regulations, other than Clean 

Water Act section 402 and its implementing regulations, refer to those authorities as 

codified as of the date of Federal Register notice announcing the availability of the final 

sVGP. 

• All requirements to comply with specified statutes include the requirement to comply 

with any applicable implementing regulations.

• EPA intends to implement the sVGP in accordance with the Clean Water Act as well as U.S. 

international legal obligations, including those obligations associated with a vessel's right to 

innocent passage as provided for under customary international law. 

5. STATE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Permit conditions applicable to specific states, Indian Country, or territories will be included 

in the final permit through the CWA Section 401 certification process. 

6. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply to this permit. Terms not defined in this Appendix have the 

meaning given by 40 CFR Part 122.2. When a defined term appears in a definition, the defined 

term is placed in quotation marks as an aid to readers. [source: intro to 40 CFR 122.2] 

“Bilgewater” means the wastewater from a variety of sources that accumulates in the lowest 

part of the vessel (the bilge). 

“Bioaccumulative” means the partition coefficients in the marine environmental are log Kow

>3 using test methods OECD 117 and 107. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

15 

“Biocide” means a substance or organism, including a virus or a fungus, that is introduced or 

produced to kill or eliminate organisms to prevent biofouling, to prevent the transfer of invasive 

species, or otherwise eliminate organisms onboard the vessel. 

“Biodegradable” means, the following for purposes of the sVGP: 

Regarding cleaning products and environmentally acceptable lubricants, 

biodegradable means testing that demonstrates either the removal of at least 70 

percent of dissolved organic carbon, production of at least 60 percent of the 

theoretical carbon dioxide, or consumption of at least 60 percent of the theoretical 

oxygen demand within 28 days. Acceptable test methods include: Organization for 

Economic Co-operation and Development Test Guidelines 301 A-F, 306, and 310, 

and International Organization for Standardization 14593:1999. 

Regarding biocidal substances, biodegradable means that biocidal substances yield 60 

percent of theoretical maximum carbon dioxide and demonstrate a removal of at least 

70 percent of dissolved organic carbon within 28 days as described in EPA 712-C-98-

075 (OPPTS 835.3100 Aerobic Aquatic Biodegradation). 

“Constructed” means a state of construction of a vessel at which— 

“(A) the keel is laid; 

“(B) construction identifiable with the specific vessel begins; 

“(C) assembly of the vessel has begun comprising at least 50 tons or 1 percent of the 

estimated mass of all structural material of the vessel, whichever is less; or 

“(D) the vessel undergoes a major conversion.” [patterned after the International 

Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 

2004, regulation A-1(4)]

“Control measure” means any BMP or other method (including effluent limitations) used to 

prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. 

“Deck” means a horizontal surface or part thereof serving as a floor or structural support over 

the upper section of the hull and which is exposed to weather and sea such as freeboard and 

superstructure decks from which runoff may originate. 

“Deck runoff” means the precipitation, washdowns, and seawater falling on the weather deck 

of a vessel and discharged overboard through deck openings. [source: 40 C.F.R 1700.4] 

“Discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel” means those discharges that were 

excluded from the NPDES permitting program by operation of 40 C.F.R. 122.3(a) as in effect on 

September 29, 2008. 

“Environmentally acceptable lubricants” means lubricants that are “biodegradable” and 

“non-toxic,” and are not “bioaccumulative” as defined in this permit. Products meeting the 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

16 

permit’s definitions of being an “environmentally acceptable lubricant” include those labeled by 

the following labeling programs: Blue Angel, European Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, the Swedish 

Standard (SS 155470).

“Fouling organisms” means any aquatic flora and/or fauna which attach to, associate with, 

and/or grow on or in the vessel. 

“Graywater” means galley, bath, and shower water, as well as wastewater from lavatory 

sinks, laundry, and water fountains. [modified from 40 C.F.R. 1700.4 but removed shop sinks] 

“In port” means, for the purposes of this permit, anchored, moored, or otherwise secured 

while located in waters subject to this permit which are inside the baseline of the U.S. territorial 

sea.

“Major conversion” means a conversion of a vessel, that— 

• substantially alters the dimensions or carrying capacity of the vessel;

• changes the type of the vessel; or

• the intent of which, in the opinion of the director, is substantially to prolong its life. 

[modified from 33 CFR § 151.05 with the exception language specific to MARPOL 

removed]

“Mile” means nautical mile as used in this permit, or 6076.1 feet or 1.852 kilometers. 

“Non-toxic” means a substance must pass both OECD 201, 202, and 203 for acute toxicity 

testing, and OECD 210 and 211 for chronic toxicity testing. If a substance is evaluated for the 

formulation and main constituents, the LC50 of hydraulic fluids must be at least 100 mg/L and 

the LC50 of greases, two-stroke oils, and all other total loss lubricants must be at least 1000 

mg/L. If a substance is evaluated for each constituent substance, rather than the complete 

formulation and main compounds, then constituents comprising less than 20% of hydraulic fluids 

can have an LC50 between 10-100 mg/L or a no observed effect concentration (NOEC) between 

1-10 mg/L, constituents comprising less than 5% of hydraulic fluids can have an LC50 between 

1-10 mg/L or a NOEC between 0.1-1 mg/L, and constituents comprising less than 1% of 

hydraulic fluids can have an LC50 less than 1 mg/L or a NOEC between 0-0.1 mg/L. 

“Non-toxic soaps, cleaners, and detergents” means any substance or mixture of substances 

which has an acute aquatic toxicity value (LE50) corresponding to a concentration greater than 

10 ppm and does not produce “byproducts” with an acute aquatic toxicity value (LE50) less than 

10 ppm. 

 “Noxious Liquid Substances” (“NLS”) has the same meaning given that term by 33 CFR 

Part 151, Subpart A. 

“Oil” means oil of any kind or in any form, including but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, 

sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil. [source: 33 CFR 154.105] 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

17 

“Oil in quantities that may be harmful” means any discharge of oil having the effects 

identified in 40 CFR 110.3, provided that this term does not include those discharges specified in 

40 CFR 110.5(a) – (c).

“Oily mixture” means a mixture, in any form, with any oil content, including, but not limited 

to: 

(1) slops from bilges; (2) slops from oil cargoes (such as cargo tank washings, oily waste, 

and oily refuse; (3) oil residue; and (4) oily Ballast Water from cargo or fuel oil tanks. [source: 

33 CFR 151.05] 

“Owner or operator” and “Owner/Operator” means the owner or operator of any facility or 

activity subject to regulation under the NPDES program. For purposes of this permit, “Owner” 

means a party, including a charterer by demise, who: 

(1) has operational control over vessel activities, including the ability to modify those 

activities; or

(2) has day-to-day operational control of those activities that are necessary to ensure 

compliance with the permit or to direct workers to carry out activities required to comply 

with the permit. 

“Person” means an individual, association, partnership, corporation, municipality, State or 

Federal agency, or an agent or employee thereof. [source: 40 CFR Part 122.2] 

“Phosphate Free” soaps, cleaners, and detergents means these materials which contain, by 

weight, 0.5% or less of phosphates or derivatives of phosphates. 

“Port” see “In Port.” 

“Recreational vessel” means any “vessel” that is manufactured or operated primarily for 

pleasure or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the pleasure of that person. This term does 

not include a vessel that is subject to Coast Guard inspection and that is engaged in commercial 

use or carries paying passengers. [source: 33 U.S.C. 1362(25)]

“Sewage” means human body wastes and the wastes from toilets and other receptacles 

intended to receive or retain body wastes that are discharged from vessels, except that with 

respect to commercial vessels on the Great Lakes, the term “sewage” also includes galley, bath, 

and shower water.

“Territorial sea” has the meaning assigned by section 502(8) of the Federal Water Pollution 

Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362(8)). 

“Toxic and hazardous materials” means, for purposes of the VGP: any substance identified in 

40 CFR 116.4; any toxic pollutant identified in 40 CFR 401.15; and any hazardous material as 

defined in 49 CFR 171.8. 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

18 

“United States” means the States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. [source: modified from 33 U.S.C. 1362(3)] 

“Vessel” means every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance being used as a 

means of transportation on “waters subject to this permit.” [modified from CWA § 312(a)] 

“Visible sheen” means a “silvery” or “metallic” sheen, gloss, or increased reflectivity; visual 

color; iridescence; or oil slick on the surface. [source: 58 FR 12507]. 

“Waters subject to this permit” means “waters of the US” as defined in as 40 CFR 122.2 and 

extends to the outer reach of the 3 mile territorial sea as defined in section 502(8) of the CWA, 

unless otherwise excluded from coverage by Part 6 of the permit. 

“You” means the “owner” or “operator” of a permitted vessel.
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

19 

7. EPA REGIONAL CONTACTS 

An updated EPA regional contact list is maintained at www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels. 

Region 1 – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, and 10 Tribal Nations 

5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 

Mail Code OEP06-1 

Boston, MA 02109-3912 

Region 2 – NJ, NY, PR, VI, and 7 Tribal Nations 

290 Broadway, 24th Floor 

New York, NY 10007-1866 

Region 3 – DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV

1650 Arch St 

Philadelphia, PA 19103 

Region 4 – AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, and 2 Tribes 

Atlanta Federal Center 

61 Forsyth St SW 

Atlanta, GA 30303-3104 

Region 5 – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI, and 35 Tribes 

Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building

77 W Jackson Blvd 

Chicago, IL 60604-3507 

Region 6 – LA, AR, OK, NM, TX, and 65 Tribes 

1445 Ross Ave 

Dallas, TX 75202-2733 

Region 7 – IA, KS, MO, NE, and 9 Tribes 

901 N 5th St 

Kansas City, KS 66101 

Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY, and 27 Tribal Nations

1595 Wynkoop St 

Denver, CO 80202-1129 

Region 9 – AZ, CA, HI, NV, and Pacific Islands 

75 Hawthorne St 

San Francisco, CA 94105-3901 

Region 10 – AK, ID, OR, WA, and Native Tribes

1200 6th Ave 

Seattle, WA 98101-1128 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

20 

8. APPENDIX A – PERMIT AUTHORIZATION AND RECORD OF INSPECTION 

(PARI) FORM

Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) Authorization and Record of Inspection (PARI) Form

I. Vessel Owner/Operator Information

Vessel Owner/Operator ____________________________ Phone ________________________

Address and Email Address: ________________________________________________________

II. Vessel Information

Vessel Name _____________________________ Vessel Type ___________________

Vessel Identifier __________________________ □ Registered number/operating number □ IMO number

III. Owner/Operator Acknowledgement

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have read and am familiar with the sVGP and that I am implementing all permit 

requirements contained in the sVGP.

IV. Certification Information

I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in 

accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information 

contained therein. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly 

responsible for gathering the information, the information contained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, 

accurate, and complete. I have no personal knowledge that the information submitted is other than true, accurate, and 

complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine 

and imprisonment for knowing violations.

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date)

V. Quarterly Inspections by Year

A. 2014 1st Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

2nd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

3rd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

4th Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

Date

Initial Here

_ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _

I certify that I have completed all of my quarterly inspections for 2014 in accordance with Part 3.2 of the sVGP

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date)

B. 2015 1st Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

2nd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

3rd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

4th Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

Date

Initial Here

_ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _

I certify that I have completed all of my quarterly inspections for 2015 in accordance with Part 3.2 of the sVGP

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date)

C. 2016 1st Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

2nd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

3rd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

4th Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

Date:

Initial Here:

_ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _

I certify that I have completed all of my quarterly inspections for 2016 in accordance with Part 3.2 of the sVGP

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date) 

D. 2017 1st Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

2nd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

3rd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

4th Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

Date

Initial Here

_ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _

I certify that I have completed all of my quarterly inspections for 2017 in accordance with Part 3.2 of the sVGP

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date)

E. 2018 1st Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

2nd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

3rd Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

4th Qtr Inspection 

Completed: □

Date

Initial Here

_ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _

I certify that I have completed all of my quarterly inspections for 2018 in accordance with Part 3.2 of the sVGP

___________________________________________ (Signature and Date) 
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

21 

Corrective Action Records for the sVGP 

If you need to take any corrective actions resulting from your quarterly visual inspections please record your findings on the next page

Date sVGP Requirement 

Affected

Description Cause Description of Corrective Action 

Performed or Scheduled

Please include additional pages as necessary.
Proposed Small Vessel General Permit (sVGP) 

22 

9. APPENDIX B – ANNUAL NON-COMPLIANCE FORM

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460

Annual Noncompliance Form for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation

of a Vessel under the NPDES small Vessel General Permit (sVGP)

A. Vessel Owner/Operator Information:

Name: 

Street:

City: State: Zip:

Country:

Phone: Fax (optional):

E-mail:

B. Vessel Information:

Vessel Name:

Vessel ID/ Registered Number/ IMO number:

Vessel Call Sign: 

Flag State/Port of Registry:

Type of Vessel (select one):

□ Commercial Fishing Vessel □ Barge

□ Ferry □ Research Vessel

□ Rescue Vessel □ Other: __________________________

Vessel Weight: □ Gross Tons □ Gross Registered Tons

Vessel Length: □ Feet □ Meters

C. Instances of Noncompliance

Please fill out the information below describing your instances of noncompliance (e.g., not using phosphate free soaps). Use additional pages if 

necessary

Date sVGP Requirement 

Affected

Description of Noncompliance Cause of

Noncompliance

Description of Corrective Action 

Performed or Scheduled

D. Certification Information

I certify under penalty of law that the information contained in this form is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate and 

complete. Furthermore, I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision 

in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information contained therein. 

Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the 

information contained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I have no personal knowledge that the 

information submitted is other than true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false 

information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.

__________________________________

Signature and Date

Print Name:

Title:

E-mail: