subject: Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems For Boats [print this page] There are many different rules and regulations to follow, both federal and state oriented, that govern marine sanitation systems and their use in marinas around the coasts of the country. It is important that you as a boater or as a marina owner/operator are aware of the regulations in your district so that you do not face penalties and fees for misuse. What is law in one part of the country may not particularly be law in another part. If you are new to boating and you just have no idea what we are talking about, read on you may find some useful information here.
Every boat that has toilet facilities installed on it has to have a marine sanitation device, or MSD on board. Those boats that are under 65 feet long are able to use devices that are classified as Type I, Type II and Type III devices. Larger vessels need Type II or Type III devices. Your local boating supply store will have specific information for you so that you can make sure that you purchase the right type of device for your vessel, avoiding those penalties and fees. Never hesitate to ask your store for help. All models are expensive, and having the wrong type aboard could prove to be a costly mistake. No matter which model you end up with, make sure it has a label on it that clearly states that it has been approved by the United States Coast Guard. Type I sanitation systems are flow through devices for maceration and disinfection. These cannot have a fecal coliform bacteria count that is greater than 1000 per 100 milliliters. Also, there can be no floating solids. These Type I devices treat waste prior to discharge. Type II sanitation systems are flow through pumps for disinfection and maceration and are for the larger and longer vessels. Effluent that is produced can not have a fecal bacteria count that is more than 200 per 100 milliliters. Also, suspended solids can not be more than 150 milligrams per liter. Type II sanitation systems have similar functions shared with Type I systems, but with advanced treatment abilities and lower fecal counts.
Type III sanitations are classified as holding tanks that are appropriate for boats of any length but are most commonly seen on vessels that are longer than 65 feet in length. The main function of these tanks is to keep the overboard discharge of sewage contained until it can appropriately be pumped out. This is a requirement for large vessels, no matter whether the sewage is treated or untreated. Type III marine sanitation systems hold the sewage until it can properly be disposed of at a marina boating dock pump out station.
by: Phoenix Delray
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