4.1 The purpose of this guide is to provide information on environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) used in marine applications. That information includes EAL types, general properties, and recommended means by which their technical performance can be evaluated. In addition, general information on the major environmental standards and other organizations and permits defining, classifying, and regulating the use of EALs are summarized.

4.2 Another goal of this guide is to provide concise tables that describe the biodegradability, ecotoxicity, and bioaccumulation requirements found in the 2013 EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) for a lubricant to be defined as an EAL.

4.3 The scope of this guide is to provide information, without specific limits, to aid in the selection of EALs and use in marine applications. It is the intention of the preparers of the guide to provide a base knowledge of information on EALs and their use in marine applications to vessel owners and operators, vessel maintenance engineers, and preparers of marine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lubricant requirements.