Pump Out
When we are in no discharge zones (NDZ), the black tank waste needs to be removed in an environmentally suitable manner, and this is with a pump out. Proper planning helps take some of the "stink" out of the task so it isn't as bad as you might think.
Discharge zones
* anything intercoastal (i.e. Chesapeake)
* within 3 miles of the Atlantic ocean coastline (listed on the Chart plotter)
* protected area in the Florida Keys (help them rebuild the coral reefs!)
* other protected area

Confetti has 5 black tanks.
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Risks
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Pollution due to spilling waste over the boat
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Waste tank valve getting clogged
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Waste tank hose is clogged (Solution is to run a snake down the hose.)
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May be due to:
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excessive toilet paper
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macerator not working so left with large chunks
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unacceptable objects discarded into the head
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Clogged vent hose (not enough air entering tank as waste is being sucked out)
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Solution is to snake the hose and clean screen
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Bacteria from waste splattering onto the face and entering nose or mouth
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Sightglass does not have visibility
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Nozzle does not fit correctly over the tank opening
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Use an adapter
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Material
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Winch handle
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Disposable gloves
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Paper towels or other disposable material to maintain waste spillage when transporting hose
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Disinfectant spray
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Fenders
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Boat cleaner and water
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Optional tip (I usually give $5)
Initial planning
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Schedule
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Move boat to marina’s service area
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Contact marine for docks with stations at each slip
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Contact marina if marina with mooring field has a pump out boat
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Search the internet for local pump out boats
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Look for pump out station signs.
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Where the pump out hose will be entering the boat
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Water boats will either ask for port or starboard side and how many tanks
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If we only use the tanks in the master cabin, we select port side
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If we have used all tanks, we select starboard side since it has 3 tanks
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Dock side may be determined by marina
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Preparation
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Place fenders where the pump out boat or dock will be
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Remove bow cushions (store in cockpit so they don’t get forgotten and blow away later
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2 snaps on inside, pull out of track on outer side
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Remove any loose items on bow
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Cushions
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Sail bags
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Inflatables
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Close and lock all hatches
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Move away any lines or fenders by the pump out locations
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In bucket or tub, place rubber gloves, paper towels, disinfectant, winch handle
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Undo shades so there is quick and easy walking surface around the entire boat
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Put on shoes
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Steps
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Loosen the pump out caps on the boat so it can be quickly undone with one hand, place winch handle by the first location
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Secure vessel(s)
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Put on disposable gloves
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Captain or dockhand may give you specific instructions for their device
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Secure seal completely over the opening
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Hold hose firmly in place
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Allow it extra time at end to drip dry
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How to signal for them to turn on or off
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Remove the cap from the pump out hose if doing from a marina dock.
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Captain in a pump out vessel or dockhand on shore will hand you the hose
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Keep the open end of the nozzle pointed up
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Uncoil the hose as you move to the pump out caps.
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Hand loosen and remove the first pump out plug
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Place hose firmly over the opening and indicate you are ready for the system to be turned on
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May need an adapter if the hose does not seal
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The on / off for the pump may be on (or near) the hose’s nozzle
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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
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There should be a sight glass (i.e. clear spot on hose) where you can see waste
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You can also listen for a hollow sound
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If you have time, fill the black tank with fresh water and repump it back out.
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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.
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Slowly lift the hose, keeping it over the opening for a few seconds, then rotate it so the hose opening is pointed upward
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You may need a paper towel to maintain drips
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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)
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Hand hose back to the captain or dockhand
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If doing at a marina dock, attach the pump out hose cap and wipe clean before coiling hose
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If someone else has not already given the captain or dockhand a tip, take off gloves and thank them
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Disinfect any residue on the boat.
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Throw away the gloves and paper towels. (separate bag outside on onshore) Don't you dare throw it away in the normal trash.
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Wash the deck