Final answer:
When your vessel discharges oil or another hazardous substance, you need to notify the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Commercial ships in the US are required to submit a Ballast Water Report (BWR) to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) with details about the ship and its ballast water history.
Step-by-step explanation:
When your vessel discharges oil or another hazardous substance, you need to notify the appropriate authorities. In the United States, this includes reporting to the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as they regulate BW discharge nationally. Nearly all commercial ships operating in US waters with the capacity to carry ballast water are required to submit a Ballast Water Report (BWR) to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC). This report contains information about the ship, transit details, and ballast water history.