How can a vessel show compliance with the Clean Water Act?

A vessel can demonstrate compliance with the Clean Water Act by maintaining pollution prevention plans and implementing appropriate equipment. The Clean Water Act aims to reduce pollution in the waters of the United States and requires vessels to have measures in place to prevent the discharge of pollutants. This includes having a well-defined plan for managing waste and using technologies or equipment that minimize potential environmental impacts, such as oil-water separators, bilge pumps, and onboard treatment systems.

The other options, while important for other regulatory reasons, do not specifically address the compliance requirements of the Clean Water Act. A valid fishing license pertains to legal fishing activities, proper navigation lights are crucial for safety and compliance with navigation rules, and registration with the USCG is related to vessel operation and safety requirements, but none of these measures directly relate to pollution prevention or management of discharges into waterways as outlined in the Clean Water Act. Therefore, focusing on pollution prevention plans and equipment is essential for showing that a vessel adheres to environmental regulations.