id waste. “Overnighting” virtually guarantees it. Does the boat anchor out overnight or tie up at a marina? When dockside, will you use the marina toilets? Are pump-out facilities located nearby? What are the boats design and space limitations for MSD installation? Is the electric power supply adequate for an electrically operated system? What does the law say about proper disposal of sewage? It is illegal to discharge raw sewage from a boat in New Jersey waters. If your boat has an installed toilet, federal law requires a U.S. Coast Guard approved marine sanitation device (MSD). If you have a Type I or II MSD, it must have a certification label. The MSD either treats the waste and discharges it into the water (a Type I or II MSD), or holds the waste to be pumped ashore later using a Type III MSD). Because Type IIIs keep waste out of the water, they are the best environmental option. In general, here's how pumping a boat’s holding tank works: 1. Remove cap from boat's deck waste fitting. 2. Insert pump-out hose nozzle into deck fitting. (You may need an adapter to make it fit. Marinas generally have them available. They are also for sale in boat stores.) 3. Turn pump on. If there is a hose valve, open it to start suction. 4. When waste is no longer seen in sight glass, close hose valve and remove nozzle from deck fitting. 5. Put nozzle (with open valve) in bucket of water for 15 seconds to rinse hose. If desired, rinse boat's tank with water and pump dry. 6. Close valve. Put away hose. Turn off pump if requested. (Some are on timers.) Replace deck fitting cap. Types of Systems:ToiletsThe type of toilet selected depends largely on the boats size and electrical power supply as well as the owner's budget. Certain toilets have their own advantages and disadvantages.Manually operated toiletsAdvantages: Not dependent on power source. Dependable o...
