If you must pump your bilges while a vessel is in port, what must you ensure regarding the discharge?

When considering the discharge of bilge water while a vessel is in port, it is essential to comply with environmental regulations and practices designed to prevent pollution. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of safely managing bilge water before it is discharged.

Discharging bilge water directly into the ocean when a vessel is in port can lead to contamination of marine environments, potentially harming aquatic life and violating local regulations. Therefore, proper handling typically requires that any bilge water be either contained or treated before it is disposed of.

Leading the discharge to a shore tank or barge is the appropriate choice because it allows for the controlled and safe handling of potentially hazardous substances, ensuring that they are dealt with by the appropriate waste management facilities. Shore tanks or barges are designed to contain and process such waste, thus protecting the marine environment from spillage or pollution. This method aligns with best practices for managing bilge water and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

The other options suggest methods that either could lead to environmental violations or do not adequately address the requirement of handling bilge water responsibly while the vessel is in port.