Tennessee Safe Boating Course

4.1.1 Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV)

Submersed aquatic vegetation (or SAV) consists of underwater plants often found in shallow (usually less than 6 ft) areas. They are important habitat for fish and shellfish, and are a food source for several waterfowl species. Scientific studies have shown that SAV beds can be scarred by boat propellers or by larger craft if they run aground. When operating your boat in shallow areas be careful to avoid damaging SAV. Do not operate a PWC in such areas.

4.1.2 Aquatic Nuisance

Non-native aquatic species, plants, fish and animals are invading coastal and inland waters. These pests can increase dramatically under the right conditions, displacing native species, clogging waterways, and impacting navigation and recreation. Once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. Hydrilla, Egeria Densa, Water Hyacinth and Zebra Mussels are nuisance species that can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers, intakes or attached to hulls. Controlling Water Hyacinth and Egeria Densa is a multi-million dollar problem.

You can help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another.

• Remove aquatic plant and animal materials from your boat before leaving any body of water.
• Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another.
• Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. Dispose on land into a garbage receptacle.
• Drain all water from your bilge, motor and live wells.
• Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water.
• Report new infestation of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

4.1.3 Additional Environmental Considerations

Be cautious when refueling your vessel in or near the water. Gas or oil spills can have significant negative affects on the environment.

Respect the wildlife and never use your vessel in a manner to harass the local wildlife.

Reduce speed to "No Wake" speed when approaching shorelines or in narrow channels, thus reducing possible erosion from a larger wake.

4.1.4 Garbage Disposal

The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits dumping of plastic or garbage mixed with plastic in any waters.

NOTE: Dunnage refers to packing materials like foam or pellets

Additionally, Vessels of greater than 26 feet and operating in Federal waters must display a 4x8 inch SOS (Save our Seas) placard in a conspicuous place that outlines waste disposal regulations. Waste disposal placards can be purchased at most dealer locations and marinas.

4.1.5 Waste Liquids

Raw sewage can ONLY be dumped when greater than 3 nautical miles from shore. Some States and Canada also have regulations for dumping gray-water (dish water, shower water, laundry water) and treated waste. Consult your local authorities to ascertain the local laws.

4.1.6 Waste Management Plans

Any vessel longer than 40 feet, with a berth and a galley, and certified to operate beyond 3 nautical miles from shore: MUST have a written Waste Management Plan. The Waste Management Plan must be written and implemented by the boat captain. A Waste Management Plan should provide directions to passengers and crew as to the procedure for dealing with the discharge of the following:

• Sewage and hazardous waste
• Garbage and food waste
• Plastics, glass and aluminum
• Oily discharges and gasoline spills

4.2 Human Waste Disposal

4.2.1 Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)

Boats operating in-land with an installed toilet must also have a sanitation system to prevent pollution and discharge of raw sewage. A typical sanitation system consists of: an installed toilet, a waste treatment system (MSD), and/or a holding tank. Be sure to check your MSD for U.S. Coast Guard Certification.

Pump-Out Signs are displayed at marinas with Pump-Out facilities throughout the United States (Figure 1 is a sample of a Pump-Out Sign). Check with local marinas to locate convenient Pump-Out Stations prior to your voyage.

Figure 1: Pump-Out Station Sign

Figure 2: Pump-Out Station Functionality

4.2.2 Tennessee MSD Regulations

Tennessee Mandates the use of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs), penalties for misuse of MSDs are enforced. Y-valve discharge in Tennessee waters is prohibited and Tennessee law requires that the Y-valves are to be locked.

4.2.3 No Discharge Zones

Type I and Type II MSDs (those that discharge treated waste) cannot be used in designated No Discharge Zones. No Discharge Zones are generally designated when a body of water has no navigable connections to other bodies of water. In these Zones: Type I and Type II MSDs must not be used and in fact, must be secured to prevent discharge. The following States are known to have No Discharge Zones with more States following suit each year: California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Please consult your local boating authority before discharging waste to obtain the local regulations.

4.3 Disposal of Toxic Substances

The Refuse Act of 1899: prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any kind into United States waters. Refuse includes: garbage, trash, oil and other liquid pollutants.

Vessels of greater than 26 feet and operating in Federal waters must display a 5x8 placard in a conspicuous place that states the following:

Therefore, boat operators are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the boat without means for proper disposal. Oil must be kept on board in a receptacle until it can be properly disposed. If oil is discharged accidentally contact the Coast Guard at: 800-424-8802 to report the accident.

Chapter Summary

Upon completion of reading Chapter 4, you should have knowledge of:

• Various environmental laws and regulations
• Marine Sanitation Devices
• How to properly dispose of toxic substances

Tennessee Safe Boating Course