MARINE SANITATION DEVICE (MSD)
Boats operating inland 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, and/or a holding tank. Be sure to check your marine sanitation device (MSD) for U.S. Coast Guard Certification.
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MSD TYPE
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LEGAL FOR
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FUNCTIONALITY
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Type I
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Boats under 65 ft.
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Treat waste and discharge overboard
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Type II
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Any vessel
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More powerful treatment of waste discharge
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Type III
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Any vessel
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Collect waste in holding tank for removal at pump-out stations (most common)
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Portable toilet
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All vessels on the water
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Collect waste in holding tank - does not treat waste
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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
HUMAN WASTE DISPOSAL
