I changed my own oil and spilled a quart into the bilge. I thought I wiped it up. The next day, the automatic bilge pump kicked on and pumped an oily sheen into the pristine marina harbor. The EPA and Coast Guard showed up. The fine was $5,000, and the clean-up crew charged $12,000.
Key Takeaways
- Pollution Liability is Statutory: Federal laws (OPA 90) make the boat owner strictly liable for fuel spills. The fines can be massive ($10k+ per day).
- $854,400 Limit: This is the magic number. A proper marine policy should cover “Statutory Pollution Liability” up to the federal limit (currently around $854k – $939k depending on inflation adjustments). If your policy has a $25,000 limit, you are exposed.
- “Sudden and Accidental”: Insurance covers accidents. If you were intentionally pumping oily water overboard to clean the bilge, that is a crime (MARPOL violation) and insurance pays $0.
- Marina Eviction: Most marinas require proof of $500k or $1M pollution liability. If you caused a spill, you will likely be evicted immediately.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Gradual Leakage.”
If your fuel tank has been rotting for 10 years and slowly leaking diesel into the water, the insurer might deny the claim as “Lack of Maintenance/Wear and Tear.”
You must frame the claim correctly: “A sudden line failure” or “Accidental spill.”
The Investigation (I Reviewed Statutes)
- The Law: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) is brutal. The Coast Guard does not mess around.
- The Coverage:
- Travelers: Generally includes $854,400 or $997,100 statutory limit included.
- Geico: Usually includes $854,400.
- State Farm: Often bundles it into the general liability limit. Check if “Pollution” is excluded (it often is in standard Homeowners policies extending to boats).
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Pollution Limit | Covers Fines? | Covers Clean-up? |
| Marine Specialist (Travelers) | ~$900,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Boat Policy | ~$25,000 | Maybe | Yes |
| Homeowners Extension | $0 (Pollution Excluded) | No | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Stop the Pump: Turn off the bilge pump breaker immediately.
- Call the National Response Center: 800-424-8802. You must self-report. If you hide it and they catch you, the fines triple.
- Throw the Pads: Every boater should have a bag of oil-absorbent pads. Throw them in the water to contain the sheen. This shows “good faith mitigation.”
- [IMAGE: Photo of white oil absorbent pads soaking up a sheen on water]
- Do Not Use Soap: Putting dish soap (Dawn) on the spill to sink it is ILLEGAL. It hides the oil but damages the environment more. You will be fined heavily for this.
FAQ
Does my insurance pay the fine?
Most marine policies pay the civil penalties and cleanup costs. They do not pay criminal fines if you acted maliciously.
How much does a spill cost?
Roughly $300 to $500 per gallon spilled for cleanup, plus fines.