Pump-out guide

It is well known that the disposal of sewage from boats on inland waterways is prohibited by law and navigation authorities require that sea toilets are sealed. However, on small craft (less than 15 passengers) on our coastal waters it is left to the individuals judgement (although do check local regulations or byelaws) and are often not used.

In order to assist and encourage recreational boaters in locating and using pump-out facilities within the UK, the Green Blue has produced a series of maps covering both inland and coastal areas. These are divided into regions and give both the location and contact details for each provider.

We hope that this information will help you to plan ahead and ensure that you are not ‘caught short’ with regard to emptying your holding tank.

Regional maps can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

• Northern Ireland
• North Scotland
• South Scotland
• North East England
• North West England
• Wales
• River Trent Area
• East England
• Grand Union Canal Area
• River Severn Area
• Lower Thames
• Upper Thames
• South East England
• Central Southern England
• South West England

 

Disposal of Boat Sewage - The Legal Situation

The disposal of sewage at sea is regulated by IMO through Annex IV of the MARPOL 73/78 convention. This does not apply to small craft carrying less than 15 passengers. However, there may be local regulations or bylaws that cover internal waters. Internal waters are those waters that are landward of the ‘baseline’ which joins prominent points of land along the coast – estuaries, etc.

Disposal of sewage at sea is therefore a value judgment. The Green Blue would advise that yachtsmen adhere to the principles of best practice which are set out in the following section.

Any sewage discharge into an inland waterways is offensive and prohibited by law on most waterways. On entering inland waterways, navigation authorities require that sea toilets be sealed. This is regulated under the Boat Safety Scheme. Sea toilets must be diverted into holding tanks, and any overboard discharge line sealed, usually by switching off a valve present in the discharge line.

There are no restrictions on discharging greywater from sinks, showers etc, neither is this an issue anywhere in Europe.  However, the Green Blue would recommend minimising the use of strong cleaning chemicals on board as a best practice measure.

Basic Principle:

• Do not discharge a sea toilet where doing so would affect water quality or harm the amenity value of the local waters

Coastal Advice

• In the open sea, well away from land, waste will be quickly diluted and dispersed by wave actions and currents. Therefore only empty holding tanks into a proper shore facility or into the sea while underway at least 3 miles offshore.
• In areas of poor flushing such as estuaries, inlets and marinas, make use of shore side facilities, holding tanks and pump out facilities or a portable toilet
• Chemical toilets may use toxic substances and should only be emptied ashore into the regular sewage system. Plan ahead as they can be difficult to carry, especially at low tide, and few pump out facilities will accept chemical toilet waste.
• In marinas, use shore side facilities and brief your crew to do likewise.
• If you regularly use your boat in such inshore areas, consider fitting and using a holding tank.
• Do not empty a chemical toilet into the sea
• When visiting new sites, give consideration to the environmental sensitivity of the area before using your sea toilet. Avoid discharging within crowded anchorages, near amenity beaches or close to commercial shell fish beds
• Boats manufactured outside the UK may not have the correct ISO fittings for UK pump out stations, so check when purchasing your craft that it complies with BS EN ISO 8099.

Inland Advice

• All sea toilets must be sealed when entering inland waters.
• Whilst it is tempting to use formaldehyde, deodorises and other chemicals in your holding tank, try to avoid it if possible. 
• Chemical toilets may toxic substances and should only be emptied ashore into the regular sewage system. Plan ahead as they can be difficult to carry and not all pump-out facilities and marinas will accept chemical toilet waste.

With regard to regulations applying overseas, it is suggested that advice is sought from the Royal Yachting Association or British Marine Federation.

Useful References:

Download a copy of the BMF/RYA Port Waste Guide