It's the Law: On the Water With Your Vessel

Marine Sanitation Act

The Marine Sanitation Act 2002-59 (Clean Boating Bill) was signed into law on January 31, 2002, and became effective on October 1, 2003. This law:

• Prohibits the docking, storing, anchoring, or mooring of vessels with a Type III marine sanitation device at marinas without a pump-out, or approved waste disposal system (except in emergency situations)
• Requires the inspection of marine sanitation devices on both recreational and residence vessels and the issuing of yearly inspection decals by an officer of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• Charges the officers of the Department of Conservation with enforcing the Marine Sanitation Act as it pertains to the regulation of boat sewage discharges