Vessel General Permit (VGP) manuals

This manual provides a complete set of instructions and procedures to be implemented on board in accordance with the Vessel General Permit for discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels and large recreational vessels (VGP) as issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the USA. 

Section 301(a) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) provides that “the discharge of any pollutant by any person shall be unlawful” unless the discharge is in compliance with certain other sections of the Act. 33 U.S.C.1311 (a). 

In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), any owner or operator of a commercial vessel or a large recreational vessel being operated in a capacity as a means of transportation who:

• Is eligible for permit coverage under Part 1.2 of the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Commercial Vessels and Large Recreational Vessels (VGP).
• If required by Part 1.5.1 of the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Commercial Vessels And Large Recreational Vessels (VGP), submits a complete and accurate Notice of Intent (NOI).
• Is authorized to discharge in accordance with the requirements of the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Commercial Vessels and Large Recreational Vessels (VGP) as issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

This permit is applicable to discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel identified in section 3 of this manual into waters subject to this permit. These waters are “waters of the United States” as defined in 40 CFR 122.2 (extending to the outer reach of the 3 mile territorial sea as defined in section 502(8) of the CWA.). This includes all navigable waters of the Great Lakes subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.