Encl. (1) to COMDTINST 16200.3A
Table 1-C (cont'd)
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS
Category A: Unintentional and small volume oil spill or low
threat/small volume hazardous substance release involving
noncommercial source, such as recreational boat, private residence, or
public service institution; no significant or extensive impact;
unexpected or nonpreventable circumstances; no indication of negligence
or failure to take reasonable precautions; absence of significant
degree of gravity and culpability; no similar violations in the last
12 months.
Category B: Small volume oil spill or low threat/small volume
hazardous substance release from commercial or governmental source
(except for U.S. owned and operated vessels in non-commercial service);
no prior violations of a similar/related nature in the last 12 months;
no significant or extensive impact; no negligence, failure to perform,
or lapse of professional standards; low expectability or preventability;
no significant degree of gravity or culpability.
Category C: Discharge from any source where issues of gravity or
culpability are important, for example: the volume or location of the
spill; the relative hazard posed by the substance spilled; evidence of
negligence, inattention, failure to perform, or a lapse of professional
standards; prior violations of a similar/related nature in the last 12
months; evidence of a failure to reasonably anticipate the cause, or to
act to stop the discharge; a violation of federal law or regulation, or
a failure to observe other applicable law or code, causing or
contributing to the discharge.
Category D: Discharge where gravity or culpability clearly calls
for a substantial penalty. Intentional discharge, or discharge
involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or failure to comply
with regulation or administrative order, or failure to remove without
sufficient cause. The latest in a series of similar discharges by the
same party; or large volume discharge, or discharge posing a severe
hazard, or having a substantial impact. Also, a discharge posing a
substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States
(including but not limited to fish, shellfish, wildfire, other natural
resources, and the public and private beaches and shorelines of the
United States). Otherwise, a discharge prompting a judgement that a
substantial penalty is warranted (NOTE: the basis for this judgement
must be explained).
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