Pump Out

Confetti has 5 black tanks.

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Risks

• Pollution due to spilling waste over the boat

• Waste tank valve getting clogged

• Waste tank hose is clogged  (Solution is to run a snake down the hose.)

  • May be due to:

    • excessive toilet paper

    • macerator not working so left with large chunks

    • unacceptable objects discarded into the head

• Clogged vent hose (not enough air entering tank as waste is being sucked out)

  • Solution is to snake the hose and clean screen

• Bacteria from waste splattering onto the face and entering nose or mouth

• Sightglass does not have visibility

• Nozzle does not fit correctly over the tank opening

  • Use an adapter

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Material

• Winch handle

• Disposable gloves

• Paper towels or other disposable material to maintain waste spillage when transporting hose

• Disinfectant spray

• Fenders

• Boat cleaner and water

• Optional tip (I usually give $5)

 

Initial planning

• Schedule

  • Move boat to marina’s service area

  • Contact marine for docks with stations at each slip

  • Contact marina if marina with mooring field has a pump out boat

  • Search the internet for local pump out boats

                       Look for pump out station signs.

• Where the pump out hose will be entering the boat

  • Water boats will either ask for port or starboard side and how many tanks

    • If we only use the tanks in the master cabin, we select port side

    • If we have used all tanks, we select starboard side since it has 3 tanks

  • Dock side may be determined by marina

• Preparation

  • Place fenders where the pump out boat or dock will be

  • Remove bow cushions (store in cockpit so they don’t get forgotten and blow away later

    • 2 snaps on inside, pull out of track on outer side

  • Remove any loose items on bow

    • Cushions

    • Sail bags

    • Inflatables

  • Close and lock all hatches

  • Move away any lines or fenders by the pump out locations

  • In bucket or tub, place rubber gloves, paper towels, disinfectant, winch handle

  • Undo shades so there is quick and easy walking surface around the entire boat

  • Put on shoes

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 Steps

1. Loosen the pump out caps on the boat so it can be quickly undone with one hand, place winch handle by the first location

2. Secure vessel(s)

3. Put on disposable gloves

4. Captain or dockhand may give you specific instructions for their device

   1. Secure seal completely over the opening

   2. Hold hose firmly in place

   3. Allow it extra time at end to drip dry

   4. How to signal for them to turn on or off

5. Remove the cap from the pump out hose if doing from a marina dock.

6. Captain in a pump out vessel or dockhand on shore will hand you the hose

   1. Keep the open end of the nozzle pointed up

7. Uncoil the hose as you move to the pump out caps.

8. Hand loosen and remove the first pump out plug

9. Place hose firmly over the opening and indicate you are ready for the system to be turned on

   1. May need an adapter if the hose does not seal

   2. The on / off for the pump may be on (or near) the hose’s nozzle

10. Hold the hose in place as the discharge is pumped, wait a few seconds when it appears to be complete before indicating it should be turned off

    1. There should be a sight glass (i.e. clear spot on hose) where you can see waste

    2. You can also listen for a hollow sound

11. If you have time, fill the black tank with fresh water and repump it back out.

    1. Some people say to use a little bleach, but that kills all bacteria, including the good and it is really bad for the seals and macerator.

12. Slowly lift the hose, keeping it over the opening for a few seconds, then rotate it so the hose opening is pointed upward

13. You may need a paper towel to maintain drips

14. When all are completed, ask if the hose should be placed in the water or a bucket of water for at least 15 seconds (run cleaner water through the hose to reduce cloggage, spills and odors)

15. Hand hose back to the captain or dockhand

16. If doing at a marina dock, attach the pump out hose cap and wipe clean before coiling hose

17. If someone else has not already given the captain or dockhand a tip, take off gloves and thank them

18. Disinfect any residue on the boat.

19. Throw away the gloves and paper towels. (separate bag outside on onshore)  Don't you dare throw it away in the normal trash.

20. Wash the deck