Holding tank requirements USA

[Liber]

Hello Everyone,

Quick question, I am planning on visiting the USA on a British flagged boat from Florida to Maryland and wanted to know what the requirements are concerning holding tanks. I do not have one, are they required by law, and what happens if you do not have one?
Thank you for your help!
Cheers,
Cyril

[hellosailor]

Cyril-
There mainly are none.
If you are in a "zero discharge zone" then your head must be physically "secured" against overboard discharge, which can mean literally putting a padlock on the discharge valve, or even locking the door to the head.
Zero discharge areas tend to be crowded harbors, areas with oyster beds, other sensitive areas. It is possible you will never visit one. You might want to check ahead, look at our charts and the coast pilot books (all free online) and ask around.
The normal standard here is to have a holding tank, or a composting [sic] head, so that waste can be contained onboard, and then discharge either outside of the three-mile limit, or removed from the boat by a pump-out service. (Common in marinas in many areas.) But no, they are not required here. Stay away from the no-discharge zones, and you won't need one. You may need the padlock and a bucket though.(G)

[Liber]

Super, thank you very much for this detailed answer! I guess I need to stay out of zero discharge area or buy a big bucket...

[Vasco]

If you're going from Florida to Maryland you definitely will need a holding tank! I do not know any area inside the 3 mile limit where you can discharge sewage.

[Liber]

Even if I stay out of zero discharge areas? Thanks
Liber

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Liber

Even if I stay out of zero discharge areas? Thanks
Liber

The whole east coast is a no discharge zone as far as sewage goes.

[Cheechako]

All areas do not allow un treated sewage discharge, not just critical areas. You can lock the valve as mentioned. Or buy a cheap porta potty and lock the valve.

[Vasco]

I don't think that the regulations allow for a porta potty in boats with an installed toilet but we'll have to wait for Peggy for the definitive answer,

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Liber

Even if I stay out of zero discharge areas? Thanks
Liber

Yes.

You don't have to have a holding tank (or treatment system) installed...

But you can't discharge untreated sewage anywhere within the 3 mile limit. In a no discharge zone (NDZ), you can't discharge treated sewage, either.

You CAN "go" directly overboard inside the 3-mile limit.

Practically speaking, a holding tank has some advantages.

-Chris

[skipmac]

If you are inside the three mile limit anywhere in the USA then you absolutely are forbidden to discharge untreated waste from a toilet into the water.

There are a few places that might check, usually by putting a dye tablet in your toilet and flushing. If any traces appear in the water you could be subject to a fine of up to US$1,000.

As noted, if the head or discharge valve is properly locked or secured then you're OK.

[Liber]

Thank you for your answers, I guess I will go for the porta potty

[Badsanta]

If you stay 3 miles off the us coast your fine in the Atlantic ocean. In the chesapeake bay you may be 3 miles from land but your not off the coast.

[boatman12]

Originally Posted by Liber

Hello Everyone,

Quick question, I am planning on visiting the USA on a British flagged boat from Florida to Maryland and wanted to know what the requirements are concerning holding tanks. I do not have one, are they required by law, and what happens if you do not have one?
Thank you for your help!
Cheers,
Cyril

I am assuming you have a head on your boat but it discharges directly into the water. You can't use this in the USA within three (and in some cases more) miles of the coast. You need to disable the ability to flush this head overboard by locking the seacock closed, removing the handle or some other effective way.

The term "No Discharge Zone" as used by some here is a bit misleading. Some boats have an onboard sewage treatment device. The output of these devices can be legally discharged within three miles of shore in the US but not in "No Discharge Zones". You can legally discharge "grey water" (water from sinks, showers, etc.) in no discharge zones but not "black water" (sewage).

In your situation, installing a holding tank or using a porta potty is your only practical choice for cruising the US. A porta potty is basically a head and holding tank combined.

[Dave22q]

Originally Posted by Liber

Thank you for your answers, I guess I will go for the porta potty

unless you plan short cruises between ports or long trips offshore the very limited capacity of a portapotty may be a problem. You may need a secure 1 or 2 gallon container to empty a full potty into.

[Hunky Dory]

This solution is not the most desirable, but will work. Use Marina washrooms whenever possible. Have a supply of plastic bags that fit your toilet bowl. After using, tie top and put in a 5 gal bucket with a sealable lid. dispose of when you get to a dumpster site.