|
The Topic:
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 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. Using
a non-releasable wire tie, padlock, or removal of the valve handle
is considered adequate securing of the device.
|
