I know this is an ancient thread, but I am researching section 159.83 which says requires a "a means of indicating when the device is more than three-quarters full" because it came up in a
survey report on a
boat I am
buying.
I appreciate the Chalder is a god on
boat systems (I owe him much) and I'm someone you've never heard of, but I don't think Chalder is correct on this one.
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Take a look at this page:
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/pdf/2009/NVIC_1-09.pdf
It discusses the various protocols and rules for waste systems in great detail.
The relevant section, 159.83 ( which is the same as 33 CFR 159.83) is in this part:
"d. Performance Testing Program
The performance testing program composes three discrete protocols, one for each type of sewage system having its own operational requirements and related discharge criteria. In addition, each of these three protocols comprises four phases that start with an evaluation of the manufacturer’s
documentation and is followed by an
inspection of the
equipment design and construction, environmental (i.e., mechanical) testing, and finally analytical testing of the effluent.
(1)
Sewage Treatment Plant Protocol. Aqualified facility evaluates, inspects, and tests the manufacturer’s
sewage treatment plant and effluent discharged from that system for compliance with MARPOL Annex IV using the protocol in paragraphs a through d below.
b)Design & construction
inspection. The laboratory performs an independent inspection on the production model for which type approval is requested as well as on the material from which the system is constructed using each of the following standards:
... 159.83 ..."
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Paragraph 3 deals with type III MSDs (i.e. holding tank):
"(3)
Sewage Holding Tank Protocol. A recognized facility, as defined in reference (e), evaluates, inspects, and tests the manufacturer’s sewage
holding tank for compliance with MARPOL Annex IV using the procedures for a USCG Type III certified device in 33 CFR Part 159"
Thus, the relevant section (159.83) seems to apply only to what they call a "
Sewage Treatment Plan" (or MSD type I) and not a type II or III device.