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Sewage,
MSDs and Pumpout
 Onboard
sewage management is not a fun thing to think about, but it is a necessary
part of your boat's systems. Over the last few years, there has been significant
attention in the boating press about onboard heads, marine sanitation
devices, portable toilets, and the availability of onshore pumpout stations.
Here's a quick overview of the issues, as well as the laws relating to
this subject.
Why
Should I Care?
No one wants to think
about settling down in the cockpit after putting the anchor down and glancing
out on the water to see floating toilet paper go by. However, if boaters
follow existing laws, this won't occur. You can help take care of our
harbors and other waters by following the law and making sure that your
boat's Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) is working.
The
Law:
Federal law says that
untreated sewage (even if it's been dosed with a deodorant product) can
NOT be discharged in U.S. waters out to 3 miles offshore. This means the
sewage from a portable toilet or a Type III holding tank can not be discharged
unless you are in the ocean more than 3 miles offshore.
You are not required
to have a toilet/head on your boat. (In fact, many people choose a portable
toilet on their boat.) However, if you do have an installed toilet on
your boat, you must have a USCG certified MSD Type I, II, or III attached
to that toilet.
Federal law states
that if you have a holding tank for untreated waste with a "Y"
valve, it must be secured in the closed position while operating in U.S.
waters. To adequately secure the device you should remove the valve handle
or use a non-releasable wire tie or padlock.
What
Can I Do?
- Understand the
Basics of Boat Pumpout.
- When tied up to
a dock, use onshore facilities. Encourage guests to take advantage of
the onshore restrooms before you set out for a day trip.
- If your boat has
a head, equip it with a USCG approved MSD Type, I, II, or III.
- Regularly maintain
your MSD and the attached plumbing and install the best hose you can
afford to reduce odors.
- Use enzyme deodorizers
for holding tanks and portable toilets.
- Pump out before
you haul your boat for the winter.
- Don’t be
afraid to talk about the issue. Talk your
friends and fellow boaters about how to pumpout.
- Obey the law –
keep untreated sewage out of all coastal and inland waters.
- Find out if you
are boating in a No Discharge
Zone – do not discharge any sewage,
treated or not in a No Discharge
Zone.
Did you know?...
There are federal funds (from the Clean Vessel Act) currently available
to the states to install more pumpout stations for boaters.
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