Locking Head Discharge Valve

[Stephen Butler]

Our 1990, C34, is equipped with a holding tank, on-deck pump-out port, and a macinator/sea cock/plumbing that allows pumping out when far at sea.  We need to install some method of locking the system to eiiminate any possible discharging in restricted waters.  Would it be sufficient to simply lock the under-seat compartment, limiting access to the overboard system, or do we need to lock the seacock itself and disconnect the macinator?  

[Jim Hardesty]

Stephen,
I'm not sure this is correct for every place.  Here on Lake Erie just removing the handle from the overboard discharge seacock is acceptable to the US and Canadian officials.
Jim

[Ken Juul]

I've passed all my CG safety checks by having the thru hull handle safety wired in the closed position.

[Peggie Hall]

33 CFR 159.7 lists all the acceptable methods of "securing" a holding tank against overboard discharge:

(c) When operating a vessel on a body of water where the discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited by the Environmental Protection Agency under 40 CFR 140.3, the operator must secure each Type III device in a manner which prevents discharge of sewage. Acceptable methods of securing the device include—

(1) Closing each valve leading to an overboard discharge and removing the handle;

(2) Padlocking each valve leading to an overboard discharge in the closed position; or

(3) Using a non-releasable wire-tie to hold each valve leading to an overboard discharge in the closed position.

Note the use of "each valve"...  That doesn't mean just the y-valve, it doesn't mean just the seacock...it means that both need to be secured in one of the ways listed above.   However, most water cops and coasties will accept securing just one 'em...but every now and then you'll run into one with an advanced case of "Barney Fife Syndrome" who'll be a stickler for exactly what the law requires, nothing less. So when cruising, keep an ear out for information from other cruisers and be prepared to do what you have to do to protect yourself from him if necessary.

[Ken Juul]

Be careful about removing the handle.  On some models of thru hulls it holds the sealing o rings in place.  A post from 2006.

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