Final answer:
Boats that are 26 feet or longer must display the Federal Pollution Control Act placard when operating on federal waters to inform about and prevent oil pollution. The placard serves as a reminder of the regulations and consequences related to oil discharge.
Step-by-step explanation:
When operating on federal waters, boats of certain lengths are required to display a Federal Pollution Control Act placard to comply with regulations aimed at preventing oil pollution. According to the regulations, boats that are 26 feet in length or longer must display the placard. The placard should remind the crew and passengers about the importance of preventing oil pollution and the legal consequences of discharging oil into federal waters.
Additionally, specific actions are recommended to help protect waters like those in Maryland, such as removing all visible plant and animal debris from boats, draining and rinsing live wells and bilge areas, and rinsing all fishing and boating equipment with a garden hose.
Regulations like the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule (SPCC) are in place to reduce the risk and impact of oil spills by requiring facilities that store significant amounts of oil to develop spill prevention plans. These legal measures are fundamental components of efforts to improve water quality and preserve marine environments.