Get your MSD inspected. All Alabama vessels with a holding tank must be inspected annually and must have an inspection sticker in place on the vessel.

It is illegal to discharge waste, oil, or trash into any Alabama state or federally-controlled waters. This is for very good reasons.

• Sewage carries disease and other pollutants that are harmful to people, aquatic plants, and animals.
• Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife alike. It also can plug engine cooling water intakes.
• Pollution is unsightly and takes away from your enjoyment of the water.

Vessel operators need to be aware of the following regulations for waste, oil, and trash disposal that apply to both federally-controlled and state waters. The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging, or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the waters of the United States.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste:

The Marine Sanitation Act 2002-59 or Clean Boating Bill was signed into law in Alabama on January 31, 2002, and became effective on October 1, 2003. The new law makes the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources responsible for enforcing the Act related to regulating vessel sewage discharges. When the Act is fully implemented, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will inspect marine sanitation devices on both recreational and residence vessels and issue yearly MSD inspection decals.

If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board.

There are three types of MSDs.

• Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with "Y" valves that would direct the waste overboard must be secured so that the valve cannot be opened. This can be done by placing a lock or non-reusable seal on the "Y" valve or by taking the handle off the "Y" valve.
• Type III MSDs provide no treatment and are either holding tanks or portable toilets. Collected waste should be taken ashore and disposed of in a pump-out station or onshore toilet.

Vessels 65 feet or less in length may use a Type I, II, or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet in length must install a Type II or III MSD.

All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified.

Vessels with a Type III MSD are prohibited (except in an emergency) from docking, storing, anchoring or mooring at a marina unless the marina has a pump-out or waste disposal system.