Conference unifix::sailing

    I can't give a definitive answer to the question in the base note, but
    can add some advice from the people at East Coast Yacht Sales in
    Yarmouth, Maine. 
    
    I am on the mailing list for their brokerage listing and received a
    copy of their latest over the weekend.  They relate a story which I
    will enter directly from the mailing.
    
    "Last Spring our licensed crew picked up a new Grand Banks in New
    Jersey just off the ship from Singapore to deliver to Yarmouth for
    commissioning.  On their way North, the Coast Guard stopped them in
    Massachusetts waters and boarded the vessel for a good hour.  They
    found one fire extinguisher did not have a full charge, our oil
    polution placard was not posted (it was on board but couldn't be found
    at the time) and they found the marine sanitation system in violation
    because the Y-valve handle was not secured with a lock or bolt in the
    holding tank position.  The Coast Guard told us that taping the Y-valve
    handle or using a wire tie to secure it in the holding tank position
    was a vilation.  Five Hundred dollars later we have learned our
    lesson:BEWARE!"
    
    I had not been aware of this requirement about the lock or the bolt. 
    My boat doesn't (yet) have a means of locking or bolting the Y-valve in
    the holding tank position.
    
    If somebody knows where we can get a complete understanding of what is
    required by the C.G., if they post it here maybe a lot of us will
    beenfit.  Any auxillarists out there?
    
    djc

    I was very curious after reading your note regarding the $500.00 fine
    for an infraction of a regulation regarding the y - valve.
    
    I called the Coast Guard in Wash. D.C. and asked them for the law,
    rules, regulations, etc. and the answer I received was absolutely
    off the wall. After I explained the situation as related in your note
    re: the trawler from Fla. to Me. , stopped and then fined. The response
    was "there is no specific law, it was an interpretation of the law by
    the officer in charge". Attempting to pursue this further was to no
    avail as I could not get a specific rule or regulation to be used for
    the interpretation. He also said that wiring or taping was alright
    yet the article stated that it wasn't, it needed to be bolted or
    locked.
    
    One can only speculate that possibly because this boat was coming from
    Fla. and probably being tracked every nautical mile, a decision was made
    to board her looking for drugs. Finding none, they decided to turn to
    other more mundane issues like y-valves in order to justify their
    reason for boarding the vessel.
    
    It is scary to think your wallet can be lightened on an interpretation
    or a whim, take your pick.

    Well I got part of the answer on what heads are legal on the vineyard.
    
    I talked to the Menemsha Harbor master the other night.  Menemsha has
    a Zero discharge rule, no Electra Sans.  (his quote was "if you can
    drink the discharge only then is it ok!)
    
    As of last year they have pumpout at Menemsha(between Dutchers Dock and
    the Harbor masters shack)     Fine for head violation is $500.
    
    Edgartown, accordind to the Eldridge allows both MSD type 1 and H Tanks
    (they also have pump out)
    
    Any word on Vineyard Haven and Hadleys Harbor ??
    
    Also how are the newer Porta Potte recirc heads as far as odor , ease
    of discharge , etc.
    
    regards
    Frank    (who just uncovered the boat!)
    

RE: .0

----------
From: W.Ashforth/[email protected]
To:   m/[email protected]
Cc:   MWeber
Subject: Latest regulations
Date: Monday, March 27, 1995 11:54AM


CAPT Williams; 

  This message came to me via our Internet server in Washington.  I have
included the author's complete address in the copy line.  Could you refer his
question to the appropriate person on your Marine Safety staff?  Thanks. 

                                             - CAPT Bill Ashforth     
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
****** FORWARDED MESSAGE ******

 Date:     Mar 24, 1995 11:41 AM             Message ID: 00002F72F6B3

 From:     [email protected]/cgsmtp         
 To:       '!USCG-D1' <dt/[email protected]>   
 Copies:                                    
 Blind CC:                                  
 Attach:                                              
 Subject:  Latest regulations               
           AutoFwd:  -> W.Ashforth/d1d ->   


Several of us here within DEC are trying to understand just what are the 
latest regulations concerning discharge of human waste along the Mass. & NE 
coast. Certainly waste can't be discharged at all within the 3 mile line as 
we understand. What about the 12 mile line (12 miles offshore)? What are the 
latest regulations on waste discharge?

Sincerely,
Michael Weber
Digital Equipment Corp.
    


----------
From: R.Hazelton/[email protected]
To: MWeber
Subject: Latest Regulations
Date: Monday, April 03, 1995 12:00AM


Mr. Weber...

Your E-mail found its way around the Net to me, and I think I have your
answers.

The short answer is that untreated sewage cannot be discharged overboard from
any vessel within the Territorial Sea, which is generally defined as within 3
miles from shore.  There are some exceptions to the 3 mile rule, such as Cape
Cod Bay, which is entirely within the Territorial Sea, but that is the
general rule.  There really is no "12 mile line" regarding sewage discharges.

The long answer is:
The law really hasn't changed since at least 1977.  The Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, and regulations in Title 33 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 159 (33 CFR 159.7), specifically require all vessels with
installed toilets to have an installed, operable, USCG certified Type I, II
or III Marine Sanitation Device when operating within the Territorial Sea.

What does that mean, you ask?

Types I and II MSDs are treatment systems, like "Lectra-San," that treat the
waste and discharge it overboard.  Overboard is legal except in "no-discharge
zones," which are few in number but growing.  As we speak there are only 3 in
New England: all the waters of Wareham (in Buzzards Bay), Nantucket Harbor,
and Block Island (both harbors).  EPA grants the "no discharge zone" status,
and only does so if certain criteria are met including availability of
pump-out facilities.  Type I and II MSDs must bear a permanently mounted
label identifying the manufacturer and USCG approval number, or they will be
considered to be not approved.

Type III MSDs are holding tanks, and are approved in regulation and need no
approval number or label (mine is a 25 gallon poly tank I bought).  Any
Y-valves must be kept in the closed position when you're operating within the
Territorial Seas, so as to keep the contents of the tank on board.  When you
go "outside" it's legal to pump the tank overboard, or line up the toilet so
it discharges directly overboard, although whenever possible I would still
encourage you to get pumped out ashore.  I have my boat (a 28" sailboat)
configured with a Y-valve behind the toilet to discharge either directly
overboard or into the holding tank, depending where we are.  The tank,
though, only discharges up on deck so I can only pump ashore and can't be
tempted to pump it overboard no matter where we are.

While we're on the subject of pollution, I'll mention it's also illegal to
discharge any trash of any kind overboard within 3 miles of land.  That
includes not only plastic, but anything, including wood, paper or cigarette
butts.  From 3-12 miles there are allowances for trash that apply more to
ships than boats.  It's illegal to discharge any plastic overboard from a
U.S. vessel anywhere in the world.  And, all vessels over 26' have to
prominently display a placard that describes the garbage regs.  You can buy
them at BOAT/US, West Marine, or any marine supply store, or you can call me
at (617) 223-8441 and I'll mail you one.

I would also encourage you, if you don't already, to get a Coast Guard
Auxiliary Courtesy Marine Exam, and get yourself a CME sticker.  It's a free
exam with no legal consequences if they find something wrong, and it's a
great way to ensure your boat meets all the safety regs.

I hope this answers all your questions.  If not, feel free to ask away.  I
hope you have a safe, fun and "green" boating season!

                           ...LCDR Bob Hazelton