It's the Law: On the Water
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
- You are not required to have an installed toilet on your vessel.
Many people use portable toilets and dispose of the waste at a public
launch that has a pump-out station equipped for portable toilets.
- For long outings, equip your vessel with toilet
facilities. See a list of pump-out and
sanitation sites.
- If your vessel does have an installed toilet, federal law requires
a U.S. Coast Guard—certified marine sanitation device (MSD) that is working properly.
Types of MSDs
- Types I and II MSDs treat waste with special chemicals to kill
bacteria. If you have a Type I or II MSD, it must have a holding
tank for untreated waste and a "Y" valve that must be secured
in a closed position while operating in U.S. waters.
- Type III MSDs provide no treatment and are either holding tanks
or portable toilets. Collected waste should be taken ashore and
disposed of in a pump-out station or onshore toilet.
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Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
- It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
- You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal.
- You must dispose of oil waste at a reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage.
- If on federal waters, and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard near the bilge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Discharge of Trash
- It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into federally controlled or state waters. Store trash in a container on board, and place it in a proper receptacle on shore.
- Federal law requires you to display a 4 x 9-inch placard (sign) on any vessel 26 feet or longer. It must notify passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.
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