It's the Law: On the Water

Marine Sanitation Act

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

• Prohibits vessels with a Type III marine sanitation device from docking, storing, anchoring, or mooring at a marina that does not have 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.