40 CFR 110.5: Discharges of oil not determined “as may be harmful” pursuant to Section 311(b)(3) of the Act.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this part, the Administrator has not determined the following discharges of oil “as may be harmful” for purposes of section 311(b) of the Act:

(a) Discharges of oil from a properly functioning vessel engine (including an engine on a public vessel) and any discharges of such oil accumulated in the bilges of a vessel discharged in compliance with MARPOL 73/78, Annex I, as provided in 33 CFR part 151, subpart A;

(b) Other discharges of oil permitted under MARPOL 73/78, Annex I, as provided in 33 CFR part 151, subpart A; and

(c) Any discharge of oil explicitly permitted by the Administrator in connection with research, demonstration projects, or studies relating to the prevention, control, or abatement of oil pollution.