If a vessel has an installed toilet, technically referred to as a marine sanitation device (MSD), it must be equipped with one of three types of MSDs. The MSDs (Type I, Type II, Type III) are designed to meet different needs and effluent level requirements. Since portable toilets can be moved on and off a vessel, they are not considered installed toilets; therefore, vessels that have portable toilets are not subject to MSDs regulations.

The Sewage Treatment Device (Standard Vessel Length) Type I, is a flow-through device (maceration and disinfection) for vessels less than 65 feet in length. The effluent produced must not have a fecal coliform bacteria count greater than 1000 per 100 milliliters and have no visible floating solids. Type I MSDs rely on maceration and disinfection for treatment of the waste prior to its discharge into the water.

Type II Flow-through devices are for vessels greater than 65 feet in length. The effluent produced must not have a fecal coliform bacteria count greater than 200 per 100 milliliters and suspended solids not greater than 150 milligrams per liter. Type II MSDs are similar to the Type I, however, the Type II devices provide an advanced micro-biological treatment and discharges wastes with lower fecal coliform counts and reduced suspended solids. It operates as/like a septic system.

Type III Holding tank for any length vessels. Type lll MSDs are designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage by holding these wastes. They are not treatment systems but simple holding tanks that receive sewage flushed from the marine head, that is deposited into this tank containing deodorizers and other chemicals. The contents of the holding tank are stored until it can be properly disposed of at shore-side pump out facilities. These are the stinky systems.

Skimoil, Inc.s TheTankMSD Type II Marine Sanitation Device is a compact, tough and well-balanced biological aerobic (bacteria and air) sewage treatment system. Liquid and solid wastes are removed and digested from the water by bacteria naturally contained in sewage.

TheTankMSD consists of three treatment stages: aeration, clarification, and disinfection. In the aeration chamber (stage 1), the bacteria grow and multiply using the sewage as their food supply. This action reduces the quantity and size of the solid matter. In the clarification chamber (stage 2), the bacterial floc is separated from the treated solid matter. The treated water is clear and free from solids, however, the liquid must be disinfected prior to discharge overboard to kill any disease-causing bacteria. Disinfection is accomplished in the clarification chamber (stage 3). Flow through these stages is caused by direct displacement. When new sewage flows into the aeration chamber, an equal volume flows through the clarification chamber. This volume, in turn, displaces an equal volume from the clarification chamber into the disinfection chamber, and overboard. No internal sewage pumps are necessary.

Skimoil, Inc.s TheTankMSD Marine Sanitation Device is a very efficient, low profile/compact MSD system, designed specifically for easy retrofit / refit into small spaces, for processing sanitary wastes from workboat crew sizes from 2-30 persons (56-220 gpd). This USCG/IMO certified Type II MSD also meets EPA regulations. Skimoil, Inc.s compact and tough TheTankMSD MSD system , has no moving parts and few requirements for maintenance; if maintenance or repairs become necessary, no special tools are required. With low 110V power/utility consumption and built in chlorinator, TheTankMSD is a tough, very well built, reasonably priced Type ll MSD designed to fit in small and even tight spots. It operates with fresh or salt water. Odor and excess sludge are not a problem with a well-balanced MSD system. Aerobic bacteria are not the smelly ones.

Skimoil, Inc.s TheTankMSD systems, TTM #400 TTM #1200 TTM # 1600 can be one of the best choices for efficiency /simplicity and economy when it comes to refitting or new installations of MSDs / Marine Sanitation Devices.

Each of Skimoils TheTankMSD system comes with starter kit of bacteria and nutrients bundle for quick startup at full capacity. TheTankMSD is built like a tank and is a solid simple system SSS.

For more information about marine sanitation devices by SkimOil Inc., please call (314) 579-9755, email at or see online at : www.TheTankMSD.com