As per MARPOL Annex 5 for ground food waste, discharge is permitted if at least 3nm from land, or 12nm from land if within a special area.
Within Bohai Bay however, a ship may well be more than 12nm from land and the crew may, therefore, believe they are entitled to discharge ground food waste.
Nevertheless, Bohai Bay is an area of nearly enclosed inland sea, the discharge of any garbage in Bohai Bay is prohibited (comminuted/uncomminuted).
Local MSA officers (Maritime Safety Administration) attending on board vessels during PSC inspections have simply picked up on discharges of garbage/sewage as stated in the vessel’s records.
 
The penalties imposed on those in breach range from the equivalent of USD 3,000 to USD 30,000, and is also reason for detention,  in accordance with Article 73 of the PRC’s law on Protection of the Marine Environment.