Management of sewage wastes from vessels
It is an offence to discharge liquid wastes to any NSW waterway.
Regulations require all commercial vessels with toilets, used in Sydney Harbour the Murray River and other inland waters to have holding tanks for sewage and galley waste. It is an offence if the contents of a holding tank are not discharged to an approved facility.
Regulations also require recreational vessels built after 1992, and fitted with a toilet, to fit holding tanks.
Marinas in Sydney Harbour must provide pump-out facilities if the marina has nine or more berths. Similar requirements apply in other areas. Mobile pump-out facilities are available on most NSW waterways.
Contact the Waterways Authority for more information about the requirements for installing holding tanks and management of sewage wastes from vessels.
Bilge waters
｡?iscourage boat owners from discharging contaminated bilge water to the environment. Promote the use of oil-absorbent products on all vessels with inboard motors. For example, absorbent pillows that retain oil but not water can reduce oily water discharges from bilge pumps.
Boat washing
｡?ollow these steps to prevent pollutants from discharging to the waterway from cleaning of boats and motors:
・Wipe as much oil, fuel and dirt from the motor as possible before rinsing.
・Wash or rinse outboard motors in a work area where the run-off drains to a pit and the wastewater can be properly treated, reused or disposed of to a trade waste system.
・Where possible, rinse boat decks with water only This may mean more frequent rinsing to avoid dirt and grime build-up.
・If using detergent, stop sudsy water from washing off the deck by washing with a mop and collecting the waste water in a bucket. Empty the waste onto a landscaped area or to your wastewater system.
