wpsalm
New member
Any info on holding tank requirments for europe in particular UK doing the big refit for a proposed cruise to euope next season and got that part of the boat disasembled... thanks wpsalm
holding tanks
- Thread starter wpsalm
- Start date
dk
Well-known member
Holding tanks are not compulsory in the UK, but most marinas ban the use of boat toilets and it is not really the done thing to pump out in small harbours. Most of the rest of Europe has similar rules, and some countries, like Turkey, will fine you heavily if you pump out inshore or in harbour.
EU small craft directives say new boats must have diverter valves on the system, but do not yet need to actually have a holding tank. This is because, as yet, there aren't enough pump-out stations. The situation is rapidly changing though, so I would fit one anyway and pump out offshore - it's a lot more pleasant for surrounding swimmers and doesn't cost a great deal.
EU small craft directives say new boats must have diverter valves on the system, but do not yet need to actually have a holding tank. This is because, as yet, there aren't enough pump-out stations. The situation is rapidly changing though, so I would fit one anyway and pump out offshore - it's a lot more pleasant for surrounding swimmers and doesn't cost a great deal.
ponapay
New member
In enclosed seas or harbours (especially non-tidal) there should be no discharge to the sea and it should be incumbent on all of us to fit and use holding tanks.
In Swedish canals an inspection takes place and diverter valves are locked in the tank position. If not fitted then the sea head is locked off.
It seems highly commendable that manufacturers should be required to fit them as standard in all boats fited with fixed heads.
ponapay
In Swedish canals an inspection takes place and diverter valves are locked in the tank position. If not fitted then the sea head is locked off.
It seems highly commendable that manufacturers should be required to fit them as standard in all boats fited with fixed heads.
ponapay
Gunfleet
New member
No doubt the Swedes will lock up your bailer too. Or if you want to pee off the end of the pontoon (after an enthusiastic night out) will lock up the pontoon.
Caronia
New member
I have done the deed and purchased the Nicholson 38. Now I need to start a purchasing frenzy that will end when I have exhausted all savings and future income. To help with this I has thought about holding tanks, where have you fitted yours and of what type?
heerenleed
New member
Or they will lock you up....
Rediculous, isn't it? Man is the only animal that is no longer allowed to pee under the sky. But seriously. As long as we all use our common sense there should'nt be any problem. The trouble starts when things get out of hand and authorities start to make rules without really knowing what it is all about. Therefore, IMHO it would be wise to install holding tanks if we possibly can, before it will be imposed, even if we can't (no space in the boat).
So, if you must pee off the end of the pontoon, make sure you're not seen....
happa sailing anyway
Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands
Rediculous, isn't it? Man is the only animal that is no longer allowed to pee under the sky. But seriously. As long as we all use our common sense there should'nt be any problem. The trouble starts when things get out of hand and authorities start to make rules without really knowing what it is all about. Therefore, IMHO it would be wise to install holding tanks if we possibly can, before it will be imposed, even if we can't (no space in the boat).
So, if you must pee off the end of the pontoon, make sure you're not seen....
happa sailing anyway
Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands
wpsalm
New member
Re: Or they will lock you up....
OK thanks you guys.. on consideration have decided not to install a holding tank expect that I,ll be able to carry on as usual .
OK thanks you guys.. on consideration have decided not to install a holding tank expect that I,ll be able to carry on as usual .
RobertMartin
New member
Re: Or they will lock you up....
Buy a port-a-loo and if you get inspected, tell them you use it while in harbour, it has its own holding tank and if you do need to empty it, take it to the nearest toilet..
Bobby aka Seawolf..
Freedom is the song of your soul..
Buy a port-a-loo and if you get inspected, tell them you use it while in harbour, it has its own holding tank and if you do need to empty it, take it to the nearest toilet..
Bobby aka Seawolf..
Freedom is the song of your soul..
gunnarsilins
New member
Is the freedom....
...of pumping out your toliet waste in a confirmed canal or harbour more important than letting the kids, or yourself bath in the water?
At leat I prefer the latter!
And as long you don´t do it into someone elses boat most pontoons are free for peeing!
...of pumping out your toliet waste in a confirmed canal or harbour more important than letting the kids, or yourself bath in the water?
At leat I prefer the latter!
And as long you don´t do it into someone elses boat most pontoons are free for peeing!
Gunfleet
New member
Re: Is the freedom....
Gunnar please don't take my post very seriously. It was a joke.
Gunnar please don't take my post very seriously. It was a joke.
gunnarsilins
New member
Sorry! I...
...overreacted!
Sweden surely do have a lot of stupid laws and regulations, like many western countries.
But if there is anything I´m proud over is it the fact that thanks to quite strong enviromental laws we do have very clean water. You can in fact safely bath everywhere, every river, canal, lake, even right in the middle of Stockholm.
Which I think is quite unique - and well worth to defend!
...overreacted!
Sweden surely do have a lot of stupid laws and regulations, like many western countries.
But if there is anything I´m proud over is it the fact that thanks to quite strong enviromental laws we do have very clean water. You can in fact safely bath everywhere, every river, canal, lake, even right in the middle of Stockholm.
Which I think is quite unique - and well worth to defend!
chrisrixon
New member
What about grey water?
Will I get into trouble having a shower or washing the dishes?!
Chris.
Will I get into trouble having a shower or washing the dishes?!
Chris.
dk
Well-known member
In marinas & harbours yes. Skippers have been known to be fined Euro1,500 for letting their dishwater drain into a Turkish harbour! - although that is rare. I have never had any problems with that - my theory is that the detergent helps break down some of the fisherman's diesel spillage. The fish seem to survive regardless!
If in doubt use a bucket in port.
If in doubt use a bucket in port.
ponapay
New member
Re: Sorry! I...
The Baltic is the dirtiest sea in Europe. But I have seen many people swimming happily in it.
One month ago I passed through a slick of what looked like sewage about one mile long and only 300 metres offshore at Dalaro (SE of Stockholm).
In general the visibility in the water is poor when compared with, say the west coast of Scotland. But the Blatic is still a great place to sail.
Agree however on banning discharge into coastal waters where others may swim.
The Baltic is the dirtiest sea in Europe. But I have seen many people swimming happily in it.
One month ago I passed through a slick of what looked like sewage about one mile long and only 300 metres offshore at Dalaro (SE of Stockholm).
In general the visibility in the water is poor when compared with, say the west coast of Scotland. But the Blatic is still a great place to sail.
Agree however on banning discharge into coastal waters where others may swim.
gunnarsilins
New member
Yes, the Baltic Sea...
...is dirty. So dirty that parts of its bottom is almost dead. But NOT by human sevage. Sweden has a total ban of letting sevage (but not from pleasure craft) out in the sea since decades.
The former Soviet countries still dump some sevage into the Baltic sea. But these quantities are nowadays so small so they dont affect the water quality, apart from very locally.
The biggest problems with the Baltic Sea is fertilizers leaking into it. And also chemical waste like PCB and cadmium. This waste affects organic life, but not swimming.
I think it´s a bit silly to compare the Scottish West coast. We are talking the atlantic ocean compared with a sea which is almost entirely enclosed.
A better comparison would be the Med. And I´m quite sure the Baltic as whole is in a better state than the Med.
I´m entirely convinced that whatever you saw outside Dalarö it was NOT sewage! These things simply don´t happen since the 70-ties! By the way, I pass Dalarö every weekend when I´m out cruising.
I´m quite sure what you saw was a slick of algae.
The uncontrolled growth of algae has been a big problem in the Baltic the last decade or more. Probably as a result from the huge amount of leaking fertilizers.
And by the forces of wind and current the algae concentrates into a local, thick slick which reminds you of a thick soup. And it´s easy to believe that it might be human sevage.
The water quality of the Baltic Sea is constantly monitored everywhere. In Stockholm harbour, outside Dalarö, offshore, basically everywhere by Swedish authoroties and independent enviromental organizations. And bathing is always safe! (Apart from a minor accident 10 days ago in the lake of Mälaren, which is a part of the water surrounding Stockholm, but that´s another story).
It would be interesting too hear about how many europeean cities with a population of 1 million or more there are where you SAFELY can bath right in the centre of town!
...is dirty. So dirty that parts of its bottom is almost dead. But NOT by human sevage. Sweden has a total ban of letting sevage (but not from pleasure craft) out in the sea since decades.
The former Soviet countries still dump some sevage into the Baltic sea. But these quantities are nowadays so small so they dont affect the water quality, apart from very locally.
The biggest problems with the Baltic Sea is fertilizers leaking into it. And also chemical waste like PCB and cadmium. This waste affects organic life, but not swimming.
I think it´s a bit silly to compare the Scottish West coast. We are talking the atlantic ocean compared with a sea which is almost entirely enclosed.
A better comparison would be the Med. And I´m quite sure the Baltic as whole is in a better state than the Med.
I´m entirely convinced that whatever you saw outside Dalarö it was NOT sewage! These things simply don´t happen since the 70-ties! By the way, I pass Dalarö every weekend when I´m out cruising.
I´m quite sure what you saw was a slick of algae.
The uncontrolled growth of algae has been a big problem in the Baltic the last decade or more. Probably as a result from the huge amount of leaking fertilizers.
And by the forces of wind and current the algae concentrates into a local, thick slick which reminds you of a thick soup. And it´s easy to believe that it might be human sevage.
The water quality of the Baltic Sea is constantly monitored everywhere. In Stockholm harbour, outside Dalarö, offshore, basically everywhere by Swedish authoroties and independent enviromental organizations. And bathing is always safe! (Apart from a minor accident 10 days ago in the lake of Mälaren, which is a part of the water surrounding Stockholm, but that´s another story).
It would be interesting too hear about how many europeean cities with a population of 1 million or more there are where you SAFELY can bath right in the centre of town!
colvic
New member
Spain seems to be an exception then, as having visited over 60 marinas this year NOT ONE had pump out facilities and in three years we've only come across a handful of boats with holding tanks and they weren't using them.
We have no choice as ALL waste water goes into an "on-site"moulded 40 gallon tank with a diaphragm pump to the sea. We always try to empty the tank at sea and when in a marina use the facilities ashore as much as possible, but if at say Almerimar with a couple of thousand berths and only 3 toilets for males and 2 for women it can be a bit difficult.
True there are rules, regs. etc., but western European countries are not very concerned about the problem. Ever been in the Canal de Midi in summer?
Phil
We have no choice as ALL waste water goes into an "on-site"moulded 40 gallon tank with a diaphragm pump to the sea. We always try to empty the tank at sea and when in a marina use the facilities ashore as much as possible, but if at say Almerimar with a couple of thousand berths and only 3 toilets for males and 2 for women it can be a bit difficult.
True there are rules, regs. etc., but western European countries are not very concerned about the problem. Ever been in the Canal de Midi in summer?
Phil
chrisrixon
New member
Re: Or they will lock you up....
Do you know any one who has done this? There are obvious snags but a lot of pluses:
Cheap
Easy to install/remove
No pump out needed - works on canals etc
Easy/possible to clean
no extra holes in boat
etc
Do you know any one who has done this? There are obvious snags but a lot of pluses:
Cheap
Easy to install/remove
No pump out needed - works on canals etc
Easy/possible to clean
no extra holes in boat
etc
DanTribe
Well-known member
Re: Or they will lock you up....
Yes we do.
We have a conventional bog but also carry a Portapotti for use in the inland waterways in Holland.
We find it's good for about 3 days for two persons and can then be easily emptied at at any normal shore loo.
Another unexpected advantage is that you can use it in the cockpit in the sun whilst reading the Sporting Life, and waving to passers by.
Dan
Yes we do.
We have a conventional bog but also carry a Portapotti for use in the inland waterways in Holland.
We find it's good for about 3 days for two persons and can then be easily emptied at at any normal shore loo.
Another unexpected advantage is that you can use it in the cockpit in the sun whilst reading the Sporting Life, and waving to passers by.
Dan
aph
New member
when seagulls are required to wear diapers (nappies for brits) I might consider a holding tank. No one really gives a s--- in the real world
chrisrixon
New member
Re: Or they will lock you up....
Thanks for that if I go this route it wll be nice to know I,m not alone. Must remember to get a copy of Sporting Life.
Thanks for that if I go this route it wll be nice to know I,m not alone. Must remember to get a copy of Sporting Life.
