Article by Capt. Steve Katz
When Nature Calls
A toilet of some sort on a boat is a necessity for many boaters, anglers and especially guests. While there are some people who think it's perfectly acceptable to do their business “over the side,” it may be frowned upon or illegal depending on where you are. Marine sewage is often referred to as “black water, which is different than “gray water” which is the water discharging from your sink and shower.
Currently, in the United States, there are no federal requirements for the containment of gray water.
The days of the manual hand lever operated Jabsco marine toilet have been flushed away. Now here are a myriad of options of fancy touch panel electric or vacuum toilets, with seats and bowls just like at home or even better!
Interestingly, the main environmental concern with marine sewage is not the urine but the feces. Human feces contain bacteria, pathogens, and nutrients. The reason behind federal regulations concerning sewage on boats is to keep untreated sewage out of our inland and coastal waters, so we do not have to swim in it or drink it – yuck.
Rules
So, what is the big deal about using the sea water as a big bathroom? Turns out there are a few rules and regulations regarding marine toilets, technically referred to as a “marine sanitation device” (MSD) devices depending on where your boat is operated.
Standards have been set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and regulations have been Issued by the Coast Guard and State governments overing the certification and use of Marine Sanitation Devices.
Sanitation systems consist of an installed head (toilet), a waste-treating device (MSD), and/or a holding tank. As with most Coast Guard Certified equipment, there are different classifications to cover most every marine application.
In Maryland, A No Discharge Zone (NDZ) is an area of water where the discharge of all boat sewage is prohibited. This means that the boat’s sewage needs to be collected in a holding tank or that the toilet needs to be locked out and inaccessible for use in the no discharge zone. In the Ocean city area, the NDZ includes the tidal waters of Ocean City Inlet, Sinepuxent Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, Assawoman Bay, and their tributaries.
Additionally, the federal government indicates that treated and untreated sewage discharges are prohibited in: freshwater lakes, reservoirs and other freshwater impoundments, whole inlets or outlets are such as to prevent the ingress or egress by vessel traffic. Rivers not capable of navigation by interstate vessel traffic. No-discharge zones (NDZs) (as applicable). In these areas, sewage effluent must be retained onboard in a holding tank (Type III MSD). Operators of vessels equipped with flow-through MSDs (Type I or Type II) must secure the device to prevent overboard discharge.
As you can see there are many regulations and many MSD systems, a routine vessel boarding by the authorities often includes and “inspection” of your MSD system and status, be sure you are prepared for compliance, otherwise there may be violations and or fines if found out of compliance.
Note: Untreated sewage discharges are permitted farther than three miles from the ocean shoreline.
Hardware
There are numerous types of MSD systems, ranging in cost from $1000 up to thousands of dollars, here are a few possible combinations.
Installed toilet w/USCG Certified Type I or Type II system, installed toilet w/Type III holding tank with "Y" valve and last but the simplest -a portable toilet you carry off the boat to empty.
The toilets – the part you sit on come in a variety of technologies that can modernize and automate the filling, flushing, and pumping of the waste. There are two basic types; electric macerators (like a blender) and pulverizes as found in the headhunter and Vacuflush systems. Most all systems have a series of valves, solenoids, and control to operate the system.
When it comes to maintenance, i.e., a clogged toilet, often there is a blockage of some sort, usually something other than human waste that would flush away at home but not on a boat. Most marine toilets have a rubber one way valve in their plumbing system, often called a duckbill valve due to the shape. These can wear out and lose their shape, flip inside out or just become clogged. This is a good first place to check for a blockage when troubleshooting a non-function toilet. When troubleshooting, it is best to start from the toilet and examine the components along the way, pumps, hoses, valves etc., be sure to wear gloves and a mask. Those who have inadvertently removed a hose from a vacuum toilet system understand the need for full protective gear when working on a toilet system.
Learning about your boat’s specific MSD, location and function of the components, preventative maintenance, and the legal classification for operation in different geographic areas will help to keep your crew and guests happy while out on the water. §
