It's the Law: On the Water

Discharge of Sewage and Waste

• It is illegal to discharge any treated or untreated sewage into the waters of Rhode Island. All waters of Rhode Island have been declared "No Discharge Zones."
• If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have a marine sanitation device (MSD) on board and be sealed to prevent discharge into the water. All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard—certified and working properly.
• A list of yacht centers and marinas with pump-out facilities is available in PDF format. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
• It is illegal for a boat with a permanently installed marine toilet to operate or moor for more than 30 days on state waters unless such vessel prominently displays a valid "no discharge certification" decal.
  • There are two possible decals. One decal indicates that the boat owner or operator has taken the steps necessary to prevent the discharge of sewage into state waters. The other decal shows that the boat has no marine toilet or no through-hull fitting that would allow sewage to be discharged overboard.
  • A decal valid for four years may be obtained from any certification agent upon inspection and testing of toilets, MSDs, and related plumbing on the boat.
  • Vessels carrying a valid U.S. Coast Guard certificate of inspection are exempt.
  • Failure to display a decal may result in a fine of up to $100.
  • For a list of authorized MSD certification agents, see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management website.

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 before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with "Y" valves that would direct the waste overboard must be secured so that the valve cannot be opened. This can be done by placing a lock or non-reusable seal on the "Y" valve or by taking the handle off the "Y" valve in a closed position.
• 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.

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

• You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances into federally controlled or state waters.
• 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 an approved reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate.
• If your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard (sign) near the bilge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act's law.

Discharge of Trash

It is illegal to dump garbage and plastics into federally controlled or state waters. Many forms of litter can kill birds, fish, and marine mammals.

• You must store trash in a container on board and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
• You must display a 4 x 9-inch Garbage Disposal Placard (sign) on any vessel 26 feet or longer. It must notify passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Prevent the Spread of Nuisance Species!

Introducing non-native species, such as zebra mussels, milfoil, and hydrilla, into Rhode Island waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. To prevent the spread of nuisance species:

• Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants and animals before leaving the area.
• Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area.
• Never release live bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.
• Rinse your vessel's hull, propeller, trailer, and equipment. Apply approved antifoulants to the hull.
• Air dry your vessel and equipment for as long as possible.