gonesailing13
Senior Member
Recently had a survey done on our boat. The surveyor states that I need a lock out device on the tank discharge. Not sure what he's meaning. Say's it could be a USCG violation.
Recently had a survey done on our boat. The surveyor states that I need a lock out device on the tank discharge. Not sure what he's meaning. Say's it could be a USCG violation.
Recently had a survey done on our boat. The surveyor states that I need a lock out device on the tank discharge. Not sure what he's meaning. Say's it could be a USCG violation.
"No discharge" does not apply to greywater on recreational vessels. A "no discharge" area is primarily intended to regulate Type I and Type II MSDs. Your marina may prohibit the discharge of greywater, but it is unlikely.
Assuming you have a Type III MSD, all you really need to do is close the holding tank discharge thru hull or put the Y valve in the holding tank position. Secure it with a cable tie so the handle can't be moved and you will be fine.
I remember a Maryland environmental group that proposed to make any discharge of water to include run off from washing your boat illegal. Didn't go very far.
BlueYonder, thanks! That also answers my next question regarding fresh water washdowns. I plan on using a eco friendly "soap" for for outside maintenance and was wondering about the requirements on that. Again, thanks. Also, I'll check with my marina for any site specific rules.
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh is the word of the day.
I plan on using a eco friendly "soap" for for outside maintenance and was wondering about the requirements on that. Again, thanks. Also, I'll check with my marina for any site specific rules.
I use the gallon jugs of car wash soap. It's way cheaper, Eco friendly, and designed to not strip the wax.
For the second year when I have my USCG inspection done, the individual doing the inspection was more interested that I had the macerator switch safety wired off than he was on the position of the "y" valve. Never asked to see it.
Law is satisfied by closing and removing handle from thru hull ball valve. That's how mine is. Handle is nearby.
My solution to meet requirements is really simple. One electric toilet is direct dump into holding tank... no other way off boat but to pump tank... no way to drain into water, at all. The other electric head is LectraSan... "Completely" disabled electrically with a "Do Not Use" sign on its "Always" taped down seat-top.
Let your minds wander on words in quotes.
The Fed EPA list may differ greatly from the individual State list.
And its the State guy with the outboard , hob nail boots boots and gun that will come knocking.
"For the second year when I have my USCG inspection done, the individual doing the inspection was more interested that I had the macerator switch safety wired off than he was on the position of the "y" valve. Never asked to see it."
If this will keep he poop police happy remember aircraft use switch guards that can be safety wired easily.
Toggle Switch Guard | eBay
The red ones
I'm curious about the existence of a regulatory requirement to safety wire the macerator switch.
Was this an inspection by the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Auxiliary? Did the inspector tell you that there was a regulatory requirement to safety wire the macerator switch? Would you have failed inspection if you had the thru hull or Y valve locked shut instead?
I've been boarded and inspected twice in the last three years by the Coast Guard. They checked to see that my holding tank thru hull was locked closed. I have never been asked to show that the macerator pump switch was safety wired off.
Art - isn't your Lectrasan legal for discharge anywhere except Richardson Bay?
Richard