subject: Introduction To A Marine Dump Station [print this page] A dump station is required at boat docks and marinas across the country to keep coastal waters and shores clean, sanitary and free from deadly toxins. There are many different devices and methods that are used to handle sewage and waste from vessels, ranging from small tug boats to the largest air craft carriers. Different sizes, models and prices are available so you will need to know what you are talking about in order to make an informed, educated and appropriate decision. Making the wrong decision and purchasing the wrong type of dump station can wind up costing you thousands of dollars, so make sure that you have sound knowledge enough to make a purchase.
Different systems have different benefits and drawbacks, so you need to make sure that you understand those. If you run a larger, busier marina you will need a different model than if you had a smaller, private marina, you probably will not need a gigantic system. In addition to being a good fit for your marina, you are going to want a model that will be a good fit for your budget. Be careful here though, because the cheapest models do not always hold up and perform the best. Likewise, you do not want to pay for more than you should, so take your time in your research to make sure that you have every advantage available at your disposal.
There are many different available designs for a pumpout dump station, but regardless of their types, ages or designs, they should always be kept in good working order and should undergo routine maintenance regularly. For boaters there should always be simple instructions for use either right on the device or at the boat house. Any dump station that you use should be one that has been approved by the United States Coast Guard, and appropriate models will have a sticker on them that relays that certification for you.
Just as marina operators must make dump stations available, so too should boaters use marine sanitation devices, or MSDs, to hold the contents of their waste receptacles until they reach the docks with the dump stations. Smaller boats can get away with using Type I devices, which treat the waste and disinfect it before it is released into the waters. The largest of boats though have to use a Type III device, which holds the waste until the boat gets to the marina to dump it. For answers to your specific questions about dump stations and anything else, be sure that you contact your local store or your favorite Internet supply company for more help.
