Question for Canadian Sailors

[Dave K.]

I'm in the process of planning a trip to Lake Huron's North Channel with some friends. We've been advised that the use of porta-potties on boats is illegal in Ontario. My O'day 192 isn't really large enough to make a marine head and a holding tank practical.How do other owners of the smaller O'days who sail in those waters comply with the Canadian regulations?Thanks in advance,Dave

 

[TT23844]

Ask the Canadian Coast Guard

Dave K - Rather than relying on anecdotal information (or misinformation) why not check with the Can. Coast Guard ? Their Office of Boating Safety site should provide answers to your questions , or links to other agencies if relevant.

 

[Dave K.]

Their site is the source of the original concern

Thank you for your suggestion, but it is the regulations provided by the Office of Boating Safety where the original concern arose. I've copied the pertinent text below:------------Begin Quote-------------------------------Portable ToiletsPortable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters.The owner of a pleasure craft shall ensure that each toilet and the holding tank(s) is/are installed so that;The toilet and equipment are connected in such a manner that the equipment receives all toilet waste from the toilet.Equipment designed for the storage of human excrement is provided with a deck fitting and such connecting piping as is necessary for the removal of toilet waste by shore-based pumping equipment.No means of removal of toilet waste is provided other than the means mentioned above.All parts of the system for removal of toilet waste are congruent with one another and the boat.-----------End Quote ----------------------------------Since it is improbable that one finds many Hobie Cats, Lasers or most any boat under 20 feet equipped with a marine head and holding tank with a deck pump-out there must be some loophole or "selective enforcement" going on. For instance, the Operator Competency Certificate requirements only apply to foreign boats that are in Canada for more than 45 days. I will attempt to contact Office of Boating Safety directly for more details.

 

[Thames Las]

Before my O'day 272 I sailed a Catalina 22 on Canadian waters.Minimal space for only a Portapottie, I used the brackets to fasten it to the cabin sole, and then hooked up the waste from it's holding tank to a hose and and a deck waste fitting. Pumpouts are expensive for such a small tank, but as the Portapottie is 'fitted' to the boat it has passed inspection. Don't forget to hook up the breather to the outside.Thames Lad

 

[Dave K.]

Thanks

Thanks for your response. A guy from the Potter forum described an installation on his 19 that sounds similar. His is a Thetford Porta-Potty designed for an external pumpout. He had the same comment as you about going through the whole pump-out routine to be rid of only a couple gallons of wastewater. Fortunately, the marina pump-out he usually uses is free for him as a slip renter there. So now that a solution is identified, it becomes a question of economics. The citation for having the wrong equipment is $150 Canadian. The Thetford is $143 US plus tax & freight. Not drilling holes in my boat for the plumbing is worth something to me, but how much?I have no intention of discharging waste overboard in any case so there is no risk to the Great Lakes with either decision. Hmmmmmmm......