SAFE • NON-TOXIC • BIODEGRADEABLE

Harbor Bosun™ products are safe and effective and can enable Harbor Management Officials to control illegal discharge of raw sewage and enforce regulatory compliance of discharge laws. A “tabbing program” is a carefully developed plan of action, which addresses all aspects of this issue.
Step by step directions:

1. Board the craft.

2. Determine if the boat has a holding tank.
- In the unlikely event there is no holding tank, your only recourse is to seal the head.

3. If the boat has a holding tank, deposit 2 - 3 tablets in each head.

4. Allow 1-2 minutes for tablets to soften then have the boat owner/operator flush the heads.

5. Observe the surrounding water near discharge port.
- If no dye appears, a closed properly operating system exists and there is no sewage being released into the harbor. Proceed with Step 6.
- If the dye appears in the surrounding water then the system is discharging into the harbor. Check all bypasses. Close as necessary to direct all flow to the holding tank. Repeat Steps 3, 4 and 5.
- If dye again is released, the system should be sealed while the boat is in harbor.

6. Inform the owner/operator that any discharges will be readily visible and that they will be held accountable.

7. Continue periodic observations.
- The dye will remain in the holding tank and will mark any discharges for up to 7 days.

Additional Considerations

It is possible for an owner/operator to discharge the holding tank contents prior to returning to the slip/mooring from an excursion or outing. Therefore, the tabbing procedure should be repeated each time the boat return to harbor. Pump-out stations should be stocked with a supply of tablets, or other provisions should be made to deposit tablets in holding tanks on return to mooring.

Each harbor should carefully design a policy specifically for live-aboard. A weekly re-tabbing policy may be considered since the dye remains effective in the holding tank for that amount of time.

Another consideration for the harbor operator would be for infrequently used boats. If the boat is covered, tabbing would not be necessary. If use of the boat occurs in a predictable cycle, the marina manager may wish to arrange a schedule with the operator.

A written notice informing transient boat traffic of the tabbing program will provide clear understanding and enhance acceptance of the program. Such written policy can also include a provision for each operator to sign acknowledgement of boater responsibilities and penalties. A visible posting throughout the area will enhance public awareness and acceptance. A policy statement can be incorporated in all slip or dock usage contracts or agreements thereby minimizing the recurrent use of written notification each time that a frequent user returns to port.

Small boats should not be ignored since they are capable of producing detectable amounts of pollution. Tablet forms are the most appropriate and cost effective for this part of marina population.

Large shipping and cruise vessels have a greater potential for pollution. Use of Harbor Bosun™ liquid is easier and more appropriate in these types of vessels with holding tanks capacity in excess of 500 gallons.

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