Been looking into the regs on pump out tolets!! As far as I understand pump out tolets are not to used in inclosed waters but are ok in open waters but I was told the other day that if you have a pump out unit in Sydney harbour and Maritime come aboard , they expect to fine the loo locked, unsuable and a porti potti type in installed!! I think I have to stop listening to sale persons but I have heard this a couple of times, any opinions?
Keithw
I think this answers my own question!
Recreational Vessels
There are no specific requirements for recreational vessels. However, all vessel operators must ensure that they do not pollute. The Authority recommends the installation of holding tanks, but owners of smaller vessels can use a portable toilet instead. Planning your trip to take advantage of shore amenities is another way of preventing sewage from entering the waterways. A map of amenities adjacent to Sydney Harbour can be viewed here.
Keith, I'm not sure of the heavy handed statement of the RMS coming aboard, but you can't pump out waste in NSW in any estuary. You can dump your holding tank once you are 2nm off shore, otherwise you have to use a pump out facility. If you have a portapotty, you can either dump at sea, or take it off and empty it in any toilets connected to main sewerage.
Michael
A couple of issues here. Firstly, all boaties need to avoid unecessary pollution. If you do need to use the heads where you shoildn't and don't have a holding tank a portapotti is a good solution.
I respect the authorities and the job they need to do but my understanding is that despite what they say, unless you are committing a crime they cannot board your boat without a warrant unless you invite them. A brown stain near your boAt is not evidence to board your boat without an invite.
I would be interested to know of others experiences.
Is having a holding tank expensive? I've heard the can be on the nose and are they hard to pump out?
According to the rules in most states sewage may only legally dumped in open waters (most say via a macerator) or onshore.
To satisfy the regulations I believe a "Thunder Bucket" from BCF, one or two plastic clip lid 10 litre paint buckets as storage tanks and a potato masher type paint stirrer as a macerator will suffice.
I posed the question to a Queensland Ports and Marine surveyor some years ago and he stated that it was a system that would comply with the regulations.
Chemicals to aid decomposition and deodorise are optional.
Cost of a holding tank? It depends.
On my boat I could put a 20-30 litre holding tank in that might last 24 hours for a couple of people with my electric toilet. If I had the time I could do it myself, I don't so it would cost about $2,500 to get it done. A bigger and useful tank would cost more and take up valuable storage.
Emptying is a problem nearly everwhere. This was a great idea that will probably never be fully implemented. The pumpouts are not cheap as they put salt water into the fresh water sewerage system which I believe is a significant problem.
I have a macerating toilet so can use the heads, in most jurisdictions, outside 500 metres (I think) of moorings, wharves, marinas etc.
I have a scientist mate who pointed out to me that we are fresh water organisms with fresh water bacteria. When our waste hits the salt water the bacteria dies anyway. However, it is unsightly and doesn't make for pleasant boating. I intend using a porta potti when needed e.g. Lord Howe Island lagoon.
Cost me less than $500, 55l tank and electric muncher...
Put in enough tap valves so you can switch it back to through hull whilst the tank is still holding.
I also put in two 1/2 inch breathers and have never had a bad smell.
I fitted a black square 300x300 box above the waterline and plumbed my loo strait into it. it drains by gravity and is left open most of the time. Total cost was around $300 it works a treat and never smells.
Yes - I read somewhere that air flow was the key to preventing smell rather than a sealed system. So I guess a gravity reale system would work well.
KeithW
