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Official Mississippi Boating Handbook Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Oil Discharge Prohibited placardIt'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.
MSD and Pump-Out Station Diagram

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.

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.

MARPOL trash placard

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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