This past summer we cruised to Alaska, actually to Glacier Bay and then south to Juneau, Sitka, Fairbanks, Victoria BC. We wanted to see what was still left of the glaciers while there was still something left of us. It was a marvelous trip and a truly beautiful cruise - - a great family reunion, and an awing experience of the Alaska coast and the glaciers themselves. We cruised on Holland America's "Westerdam".
This 82,000 gross registered ton vessel is 936' in length, and like all ships of her size she is required to have a very sophisticated pollution-control plan, including a very detailed plan as to how she manages her waste. (Hard to think of there being any waste with all of us constantly eating!)
You and I may not quite reach 936' in length. Yet, if your vessels is 40' or more in length (that's 4% of the "Westerdam" length!) you, too, get to have a waste management plan. You're one of the big boys and girls now.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs, if you will), Title 33 Part 151.57 "requires all recreational vessels 40 feet or more in length, if operating, or certified to operate, beyond three nautical miles from shore, that is equipped with a galley and berthing to have a written waste management plan." A quick look at the charts will tell you that a lot of the time you're more than three nautical miles from shore more often than you think. Remember, one minute of latitude is one nautical mile. Go measure.
The CFR goes on to say that the "Master or Person in Charge of the vessel is responsible for ensuring that a written waste management plan is on board, and that each person handling garbage follows that plan. The plan must describe the vessel’s procedures for collecting, processing, storing and discharging garbage, and designate the person who is in charge of carrying out the plan."
Sounds complicated? It really isn't. Here's a sample that will work for almost all of you (unless you're the Master of the "Westerdam") that you can copy, fill in, print out, sign, laminate (helps keep it looking good), and post. Ours is posted on the inside door of a galley dish locker.
Waste Management isn't exactly your most scintillating reading topic, but not only will this meet your legal requirements, it will also meet your ecology responsibility. And that's pretty cool.
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
(Vessel Name)
- This plan describes policy and procedures for handling this vessel's garbage according to MARPOL Annex V and 33 CFR Subparts 151.51 through 151.77. As Captain I am responsible for carrying out this plan. All crew members and passangers shall follow this plan. It is the general policy of ths vessel that all food waste and garbage will be retained on board for proper disposal ashore.
- Waste for this vessel is collected (where, e.g. in the trash container under the galley sink) and stored (location, e.g. bagged and placed on the aft deck immediately prior to mooring). When moored, all waste will be carried from the vessel and disposed of (location f dumpster, etc., e.g. at the place designated at a moorage). Plastics and waste containing plastic materials shall never be discharged into the waters from this vessel regardless of location.
- When sailing on inland waters or at sea within 12 nautical miles of land, no food, garbage or waste of any type will be discharged. When on an extended voyage, beyond 12 nautical miles of land, certain non-plastic and non-floating waste may be discharged if storage space is not available. In this case, all plastics (including foam plastic) are to e segregated from other wastes and stored on board for proper disposal ashore. Only those materials permitted for discharge according to the MARPOL Annex V placard may be discharged in the water. In no case will waste of any kind be discharged into the water without my prior inspection and explicit permission.
- If you have an questions about this plan, waste handling procedures or materials that may be discharged, please consult me.
(Captain) (Date)
Let's keep the waters, our waters, clean!
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