 It's the Law: On the Water
Discharge
of Waste
If you have a vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must
have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD).
- Vessels 65 feet in length
and under may use a Type
I, II or III MSD.
- Vessels more than 65 feet
must install a Type II or III
MSD.
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Types of MSDs
There are three types of MSDs.
- Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large
vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill
bacteria. The “Y” valve must remain secured.
- Type III MSD, the simplest and most common,
consists of holding tanks or portable toilets. Waste is
to be discharged on shore into a pump-out facility.
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 discharge oil waste to a reception facility.
On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for
temporary storage.
- If boating on federally controlled 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.
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Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to dump garbage and plastics into federally
controlled or state waters.
- You must store trash in a container on board, and place
it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your
vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage
Disposal Placard in a prominent location. The Garbage
Disposal Placard is a durable sign that is at least 4 x 9
inches and notifies passengers and crew about discharge
restrictions.
- Vessels on marine waters south of Interstate Highway 10:
- Must have on board a clearly marked, closed container
for proper disposal of waste, trash, and other garbage.
Containers must be sealed and of sufficient size for the
number of people on board and length of the cruise.
- Must display a sign informing all on board that it is
illegal to dispose of waste, trash, and other garbage into
the marine waters of Mississippi.
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