Marine Sanitation Device: Holding Tank

mixman

mixman

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A waste-water (black-water) holding tank is what category of MSD (Marine Sanitation Device):
 
69% of those who took the poll got it correct: A holding tank is a Type III MSD. Here are the choices available to vessels:

Marine Sanitation Device: "any equipment for installation on board a vessel which is designed to receive, retain, treat, or discharge sewage, and any process to treat such sewage."

Type I - "Flow-through treatment devices that commonly use maceration and disinfection for the treatment of sewage." May only be installed on vessels up to 65 feet in length.

Examples of Type I are the Electro-scan and Purasan by Raritan Engineering:

smelectroscan.jpg


The Electro-scan converts salt into a natural disinfectant. The Purasan uses a treatment cartridge (good for fresh or brackish water).

Type II - "Flow-through treatment devices that may employ biological treatment and disinfection (some Type II MSDs may use maceration and disinfection)". May be installed on any size vessel.

An example is the Managerm by Raritan:

managerm.jpg


"The system uses air, water and the natural occurring bacteria to biologically convert waste to water and carbon dioxide."

Type III - "Typically a holding tank where sewage is stored until it can be disposed of shore-side or at sea (beyond three miles from shore)".
 
Someone has developed a real fixation on waste.
 
Just call me the "brown boater".

Considering how many people are answering the poll question wrong (50%), perhaps a bit of information sharing on the topic is a good idea. It's my experience that many recreational boaters don't have much knowledge about waste storage and, dare I mention, treatment options.
 
The bottom line is, it doesn't really matter if they know what type it is, they bought a boat with it already installed.

What is important is that they know what it does, how to properly maintain it (and the entire sanitation system) and that they know how, when, and where to empty it.
 
What do you think the point of all of this is? Sheesh.

Are you aware that a different type of MSD can be installed in an existing boat other than what the boat came with? That two different types of MSDs can actually be combined?
 
"BoaterEd: Dedicated to Boater Education"

I'm trying to educate people who are not familiar with this topic. I ignored you on the other thread as the point should be obvious.
 
Labels are pretty irrelevant, I agree. Who cares if it s called type I or III, but The number of boaters who are not aware or ignore the rules is high so any effort to she'd light on this murky matter is welcome.

Over the past few years almost every boat I got on whether for delivery or other reason, had it s overboard valves unsecured,l a violation of rules and a possible fine in a boarding, owners didnt know, or didnt care.

I also know how few boats I see using pump out here in Miami, even boats that never venture offshore. I live, work and most importantly play on the water and like it clean.... That smell is unfortunately all too frequent around marinas.l
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

Over the past few years almost every boat I got on whether for delivery or other reason, had it s overboard valves unsecured,l a violation of rules and a possible fine in a boarding, owners didnt know, or didnt care.

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But here is where labels actually do matter: If those vessels were equipped with Type I or Type II MSDs then it's completely legal to have the overboard valves unsecured, even open (except in an NDZ).
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

"BoaterEd: Dedicated to Boater Education"

I'm trying to educate people who are not familiar with this topic. .

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If you're trying to educate people, a poll is probably not the best way to do it.

Post your educational information, then answer questions from those who don't seem to understand.

The other question of course is, why aren't these posts in the Marine Sanitation section?
 
quote:
Originally posted by rawidman

If you're trying to educate people, a poll is probably not the best way to do it.
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That's your opinion. I'm trying to ascertain the public's understanding of these questions. In my opinion, a poll is adequate to this task.

quote:

Post your educational information, then answer questions from those who don't seem to understand.
Click to expand...


That is why I reserved the first comment space after the poll question. I guess I should have written to you for your approval of my intentions first.

quote:
The other question of course is, why aren't these posts in the Marine Sanitation section?
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I felt like putting them in ATC. Les will move them is he sees fit.

Any more complaints?
 
I think this poll has served its purpose, to generate interest and, even if indirectly, to improve knowledge.

So I need to re-ask this question, based on Pascal's comment -- if I have a Type III MSD (holding tank with both pumpout and pump-overboard valves), it is a violation to have the valve(s) secured closed (with zip ties, for example)?

Thanks for clarifying.

V/R
 
quote:
Originally posted by williamabernathy

I think this poll has served its purpose, to generate interest and, even if indirectly, to improve knowledge.

So I need to re-ask this question, based on Pascal's comment -- if I have a Type III MSD (holding tank with both pumpout and pump-overboard valves), it is a violation to have the valve(s) secured closed (with zip ties, for example)?

Thanks for clarifying.

V/R

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With a holding tank, The overboard discharge must be secured. Obviously securing will vary and is also open to interpretation.

If the discharge is above water line and if you do not hav e sea cock, then you can put in a key switch on the pump circuit and has long as he key isn't left in, it will be considered secure. I ve also seen boats delivered from the factory with a two switches, one of each wire, both temporary switches (must be kept pressed). I guess this will be acceptable...

If the discharge is below WL then you have sea cock and you came other zip tie the handle close ( if it has a hole) or simply undo the nut and remove the handle (keep it tied to the sea cock)

Ad if your boat has y valves between the heads and the tank they also must be zip tied or pad locked in the tank only position.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG
With a holding tank, The overboard discharge must be secured. Obviously securing will vary and is also open to interpretation.

If the discharge is above water line and if you do not hav e sea cock, then you can put in a key switch on the pump circuit and has long as he key isn't left in, it will be considered secure. .................
Click to expand...


My boat came to me (I assume from the factory in Canada) with a push button switch and above the waterline discharge. I replaced the switch with a key switch and I don't leave the key in the switch.

My slip neighbor goes on his booze cruises and empties his holding tank in his slip when he gets back. I don't know why he doesn't do it on his way up the river where nobody is around.

Some of the folks at the marina feel quite strongly about this, others, not so much so.

People on boats without heads just pee (or poop) directly into the water so there's not really much difference except that this is not illegal.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rawidman

Post on a web forum and you're likely to get some responses you don't like. Deal with it.

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I was trying to give people some information about a topic that many people don't seem to understand much about. It's tough to do with people who think they know everything I see.
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I certainly agree with the intent of this thread. The fines for violations of sanitation laws can be substantial. Much cheaper to become compliant than to deal with the consequences of non-compliance. The poll helps determine general understanding of the issue.
 
Pascal and Ron I am surprised at your responses. I see where Kurt is going with this and it's pretty obvious knowledge in this area is lacking. Anyone care to guess what the current fine for dumping raw waste is within the 3 mile limit? Anyone know that the fine for dumping treated waste is in an NDZ? Are the fines identical? One can do as I do and combine a Type 1 with a Type III.
Where I boat you will get dime'd out if discharging any type of waste in a marina. My personal feeling is Type I and II treatment systems are not understood by the governing powers to be.
But how I feel doesn't count!
Bill
 
At least Ron did not find the necessity to go out and start a anti thread.

Bill - Does that include grey water in the marina?
 
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