§ 132 Port Ballast Dumping Ban

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says you can't throw ballast overboard or put anything that blocks ships from moving in any state harbor, port, or cove.

Key Takeaways

•Throwing ballast overboard in a state harbor is illegal.
•Putting anything that blocks a ship’s path in a harbor, port, or cove is illegal.
•Anyone who does this can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Example

A cargo ship pulls into a harbor and tosses its heavy water ballast into the water to make room for more cargo.

Because the ship dumped its ballast into the harbor, it broke the law and could be charged with a misdemeanor.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 132 Port Ballast Dumping Ban

Every person who, within the anchorage of any port, harbor, or cove of this State, into which vessels may enter for the purpose of receiving or discharging cargo, throws overboard from any vessel all or any part of the ballast, or who otherwise places or causes to be placed in such port, harbor, or cove, any obstructions to navigation, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 368.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

misdemeanor ballast obstructions to navigation port, harbor, or cove

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 132.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References