surveyor opinion on vented loop....

quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

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Several things come to mind:
First ABYC stuff. There is a requirement that all thru-hulls below the water line at any time under normal heel while operating are required to have an approved sea-cock.

There is also a requirement that the same lines have a loop that is above the normal heel to prevent siphoning. This does not apply to engine intakes etc..

If we now take into account that the discharges are removed form the hull.

Now we must deal with USCG regulations (just as before) on proper installation of the USCG approved sanitation device. Remember different sanitation requirement are required based upon size of vessel, and vessel use, recreational/commercial. These requirements state "approved marine sanitation device" they don't say any old Marine sanitation device.

If I was surveying this vessel. I would first look at the Y valve and thru-hull requirements. If none existed e.g removed, I would note and photo record the installation. When getting back to the office I would get the MSD installation manual for the devices installed. If the manual required a loop during installation, it would be written up for "improper installation of a USCG approved sanitation device, and most likely no longer meets the requirement stated by the manufacture for USCG approval". Remember the USCG certification for the device only applies to MSD's that are installed according to the installation manual. I also remember one comment about not installing a vent loop. I have never seen a MSD manual that didn't require a vent loop. Above would apply also.

I skimmed the link provided. It leaves me with this impression. People think they make the decision about what is correct. This is not the case Rules and Regulations assume there is a bone head running the vessel. Just because one person knows to close the sea-cock doesn't mean that everyone knows that. Statements like "I always close" does not remove the requirement.. Most likely they forgot when their beer can was empty and getting another one was a higher importance... hope this helps.. Fred
 
well, if there is no Y valve and no direct overboard discharge, there is no need for a vented loop between the heads and the tank.

I checked the Sealand installation manual and the system diagram that shows all the components and it doens't show any vented loop between the tank and thru hull. So from a compliance point of view, we're fine. so I guess the short answer is as long as the install complies with the manufacturer instructions, we will not have any survey issues.
 
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