Frequently Asked Questions
 How does a pumpout boat operate?
Ship Shape Services will bring our wastewater pumpout boat to your boat, whether in the water or on land. A hose and fitting is then connected from the pumpout boat's pumping equipment to the deck fitting on your boat. The system is turned on and pumped into the pumpboat's holding tank.
Do I need to be present?
No, you don't need to be present, but please ensure all valves are open and access is available to the waste outlet. if upon arrival, pumpout cannot be completed due to the readiness of customer’s equipment, safe accessility of customer’s boat, or a malfunction of customer’s boat, full service fee still applies.
How much notice is required for a reservation?
We strive to keep a regular pumpout schedule however factors such as weather (including wind), safe boat accessibility, and other scheduling conflicts may cause us to modify the pumpout schedule. Therefore, please give as much notice as possible. Do not wait until your wastewater tank is completely full before scheduling. Emergency calls are subect to surcharge. We cannot guarantee pumpout service if reservation is not made within 48 hours of scheduled pumpout day.
What is a No Discharge Zone (NDZ)?
Also known as NDZ, a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which prohibits boats from discharging treated or untreated sewage into water bodies. In these waters, a Y valve has to be closed. Currently, there are three NDZs in Florida; Destin Harbor, the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, and the City of Key West.
Are marine sanitation devices subject to inspection?
Yes. When the owner or operator is aboard, an officer may board a vessel with consent or if there is probable cause or knowledge to believe that a violation has occurred or is occurring. An officer may also board a vessel if the operator refuses or is unable to display the safety or marine sanitation equipment.
What are the fines for non-compliance?
By direction of the Texas Water Code, the penalty for discharge of raw sewage is up to $500 per day per violation. Multiple citations per day can apply. Fines for intentional or knowing unauthorized discharge of sewage into the waters of Texas (a felony charge) can result in both a $10,000 fine and imprisonment. Don't risk it, just call us.
What are Marine Sanitation Devices?
A Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) is any equipment for installation on board a vessel, other than a toilet, which is designed to receive, retain, treat or discharge sewage and any process to treat such sewage.
- MSD TYPE 1: Flow-through device that treats sewage by chemical or thermal means
- MSD TYPE 2: Device that treats the sewage by biological means and uses bacteria
- MSD TYPE 3: Holds the sewage. Prevents direct overboard discharge or sewage
How do you tell if an MSD is U.S. Coast Guard approved?
For Type I or Type II a label is affixed to the device or there is a letter or document on board for Type 1 or 2 MSD; Type 3 does not require a label.
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