How Boaters Can Help

As a boater, you can play a vital role in solving the marine sewage problem. Here are some things you can do:

• Use shoreside rest rooms whenever possible.

• If you have a holding tank, keep the Y-valve closed and locked at all times when inside the three-mile territorial limit.

• Maintain your boat toilet in good working order.

• If you have a Type III installed toilet or portable toilet, always use pumpout and dump station facilities. Never discharge wastes directly into the water. View the list of pumpout stations, or use the Pumpout Locations Interactive Mapping Tool.

• When using chemical additives, follow label directions carefully. Use only amounts indicated.

• Use biodegradable, non-toxic chemicals to treat marine sewage.

• Participate in surveys about pumpout, dump station and on-board toilet use.

• The Boater's Guide offers more tips boaters can use to help protect coastal water quality (PDF file).

• Fact sheet: Fish Waste and Marine Debris

• Fact sheet: Sewage Handling

• Fact sheet: Clean Fueling

• Kids Activity Sheet: Clean Boating