Why should you not dispose of garbage overboard?

• A. It has no impact on the environment.
• B. It pollutes waterways, harms wildlife, and is illegal in many areas.
• C. It is allowed if the garbage is small.
• D. It helps reduce debris in the water.

Answer: (B)

Discarding garbage overboard is harmful to the environment and often illegal, so it isn’t a permissible practice on a boat. When waste goes into the water, plastics and other debris can persist for a long time, be mistaken for food by wildlife, cause entanglement, and degrade water quality. It can also create hazards for other boats, swimmers, and habitats. Because many places prohibit discharging waste from vessels, you should keep trash on board and dispose of it at approved shore facilities or trash receptacles. Even small amounts aren’t always allowed, and this action doesn’t reduce debris—it simply adds to pollution in the water.