Marine Toilets

[gandy]

Hi,

I hope you don't consider this too basic a question.

How does a "sea toilet" work, on a small sailing cruiser? Discharge directly to the sea? If so, then what is the legislation governing it's use? I've heard some conflicting stuff.

(A Wayfarer guy mentioned some new rules prohibiting sewage discharge less than a certain distance offshore - I can't recall exactly what he said. He felt that if the law was actually obeyed, his "sea toilet" [bucket] would become illegal.)

I've seem references to a "holding tank" as well. Is that to store sewage until you're far enough offshore to heave it over the side legally (or unseen)? Or is it only used on inland waters where you need someone else to pump it out and dispose?

Thanks in advance,

Tony S

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

try a search on 'holding tanks' on this site, the subject has been aired extensively.

as an aside, in american waters it is illegal to perform in a bucket then tip it over the side but it is ok to do it directly into the sea!

it is still legal to discharge to sea in uk coastal waters though there may be local byelaws in some harbours. there are very few pump-out stations around the coast so for now the situation will continue

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[andyb]

Daft question, but do you have to pump the stuff out, or is it sucked out through the deck?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

On traditional sea toilets, it is pumped out directly to the sea. Currently no law in UK waters against this yet........ Although when in a marina it is usual to use the toilets ashore to avoid polluting the waters locally(probably a condition of berthing). There may well be local byelaws prohibiting discharge in the harbour. Alternative is to use a 'Holding Tank' which stores the sewage ready to be pumped out at a pump-out station - regrettably very rare in UK coastal waters. On inland waterways and the Broads you must only use a holding tank(this could of course be a Porta-Potti style of toilet) There are regulations prohibiting discharge of 'rubbish' within 3 miles of the shore but I don't think this applies to marine toilets - not for small pleasure boats anyway.


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[snowleopard]

there are two ways to empty a holding tank: suck it out through a deck fitting or pump it out through the side. if you instal a tank in british waters it is essential that you have a discharge pump as there are so few pump-out facilities around.

i have installed a t-valve so my bilge pumps can also empty the holding tanks. i have deck fittings for pump out but have never used them.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mainshiptom]

are you refering to manual bilge pumps?

On my boat thetre is a macrator (electric) !

You would not really want to handle the stuff?

tom

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[scarlett]

Having had experience with two holding tanks I would not fit another if I was only using a boat on inland waterways. They are able to give too many problems from blockages, smells and leaks. I would use a pota potty solution.

At sea, if a holding tank is neccesary try to fit something as simple as possible with as few joints and bends as possible. My professionally fitted HT system had 23 places where a leak could occur and 6 were leaking.

If fitting a new toilet keep clear of stuff manufactured by Raske and Meade. (R&M)They are a very difficult company to deal with if their product fails.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[danera]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know how bad it is to dump the treated material in a portapotti overboard, from an ecological point of view. I'm not sure if the 'Aqua-Green' I use in it kills bacteria, etc or just neutralises the smell.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[HeadMistress]

Portapotty chemicals only help to reduce odor, they do not make the waste the least bit environmentally friendly--in fact, make it far LESS so. Not only is a tankful of waste full of e-coli and has a huge BOD, but the chemicals themselves are highly toxic to marine life, no matter what the label may say about any "biodegradability"...everything except metal will eventually bio-degrade, the only question is how long it takes to do it--days or millenia.

A toilet flush at a time of only body waste scattered about is far more environmentally friendly that even a couple of gallons of waste and chemical dumped in one place.


<hr width=100% size=1>Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987

 

[gandy]

Thanks for the answers, guys.

Tony S

<hr width=100% size=1>