33 CFR § 153.305 - Methods and procedures for the removal of discharged oil.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s153.305"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 153.305 - Methods and procedures for the removal of discharged oil."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "153.305"
section_name: "Methods and procedures for the removal of discharged oil."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "O"
subchapter_name: "POLLUTION"
part_number: "153"
part_name: "CONTROL OF POLLUTION BY OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, DISCHARGE REMOVAL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "14 U.S.C. 503; 33 U.S.C. 1321, 1903, 1908; 42 U.S.C. 9615; 46 U.S.C. 6101; E.O. 12580, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193; E.O. 12777, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 73-185, 41 FR 12630, Mar. 25, 1976, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "153"
---


# 153.305 Methods and procedures for the removal of discharged oil.

Each person who removes or arranges for the removal of a discharge of oil from coastal waters shall:

(a) Use to the maximum extent possible mechanical methods and sorbents that:

(1) Most effectively expedite removal of the discharged oil; and

(2) Minimize secondary pollution from the removal operations;

The Federal OSC is authorized by the provisions of the National Contingency Plan to require or deny the use of specific mechanical methods and sorbents. Sorbent selection considerations of the OSC include hydrographic and meteorological conditions, characteristics of the sorbent, and availability of a mechanical method for containment and recovery.

(b) Control the source of discharge, prevent further discharges, and halt or slow the spread of the discharge by mechanical methods or sorbents or both to the maximum extent possible;

(c) Recover the discharged oil from the water or adjoining shorelines by mechanical or manual methods or both to the maximum extent possible;

(d) Use chemical agents only in accordance with the provisions of Subpart H of the National Contingency Plan and with the prior approval of the Federal OSC; and

(e) Dispose of recovered oil and oil contaminated materials in accordance with applicable State and local government procedures.

[CGD 73-185, 41 FR 12630, Mar. 25, 1976, as amended by CGD 84-067, 51 FR 17966, May 16, 1986]