Type/Cost

Inland Lakes and No Discharge Areas*

Rivers, Bays, Sounds, Etc.

Coastal and offshore areas (3 miles or more)

Installed toilet w/USCG Certified Type I MSD Cost: $1200+

Not Legal. Type I + II MSD's treat the waste and discharge it overboard.

Legal Option. Reduces bacteria, but not nutrients, in waste before discharging overboard.

Good option for boats <65'. Not dependent on finding onshore pumpout stations. Treats waste before discharging overboard.

Installed toilet w/USCG Certified Type II MSD Cost: $4000+

Good option for larger boats. Not dependent on onshore pumpout stations. Treats waste more effectively than Type I and discharges is overboard.

Installed toilet with a USCG Certified Type I or II MSD and a Type III holding tank Cost: $1400-4200

Offers the most flexibility for use anywhere. Requires more space & more equipment. While in No Discharge Areas or inland, can treat waste and keep in holding tank for onshore pumpout. In coastal areas, can use pumpout if onshore facilities are available or discharge treated waste overboard. While offshore, can treat waste and discharge overboard.

Installed toilet w/Type III MSD. Cost: $500+

Good option. Keeps waste out of water. Relies on having adequate onshore pumpout facilities.

Not practical for offshore without "Y" valve as a way to divert waste from holding tank.

Installed toilet w/Type III MSD and "Y" valve Cost: $500+

Good option. Keeps waste out of water. Relies on having adequate onshore pumpout facilities. While offshore, "Y" valve can be open to legally discharge directly overboard (3 miles or more offshore--oceans only). While not offshore, "Y" valve must be closed.

Portable toilet Cost: $70+

Good option. Keeps waste out of water. Can use available onshore dump stations or dump in onshore toilet.

Need more capacity to be a practical option.

*States with lakes capable of interstate navigation may allow the use
of Type I or II's.