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Overboard discharge of grey water in Europe

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by david_japp, Nov 29, 2011.

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  1. david_japp, Nov 29, 2011
    #1
    david_japp

    david_japp Senior Member

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    My British flagged vintage 62ft motoryacht (Feadship built 1961) has BW holding tanks but does not have any GW tanks. We plan to cruise the Mediterranean this summer, stopping off in marinas and also anchoring. Ive been told that in certain countries the local bylaws and/or harbour regulations forbid the discharge of GW overboard, especially not in inshore waters and marinas, and that large fines are often imposed for violations, much as is the case for discharge of BW and contaminated bilge water. I have also been told that GW tanks may soon become mandatory throughout the EU ( as apparently is already is the case in Turkey). Is this anecdotal? Does anyone know what is the position re overboard discharge in Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece etc and if in practice, GW tanks are a requirement for cruising boats ?
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2011
  2. Pascal, Nov 29, 2011
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    also, what are the black water rules in the med, is there a 3 miles no discharge zone as in the US? how easy is it to get pumped out? Medium range plans are to sell the stink potting Hatt, buy a sailing cat in the med to cruise there and the sail it back so GW/BW rules over there are some of things i'm trying to clarify...
  3. NYCAP123, Nov 29, 2011
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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  4. CaptEvan, Dec 10, 2011
    #4
    CaptEvan

    CaptEvan Senior Member

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    On your question, I have inquired of a customer in Monaco, what the Med standards are. His 5800 Tiara has a grey water collection system, but still dumps it overboard when full. The black water has an elective macerator overboard discharge.

    Here is his response to my inquiry:

    A question or two if you please. Do you have any grey water restrictions in your harbors and open water? And at what distance from shore, if any, can you dispose of black water?


    1 kilometer out in france
    in italy you can dispose anywhere really. No harbour yet equiped with black water removal. Grey water not a prob. Some harbours do not let you hose boat with citi water when water is scarce.

    Hope this helps.
  5. RVN-BR, Dec 10, 2011
    #5
    RVN-BR

    RVN-BR Senior Member

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    I have not heard abt the grey water limitations at all after cruising 5yrs in the med.

    visited turkey, greece, france, spain, italy.

    good luck!
  6. nilo, Dec 12, 2011
    #6
    nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    i tend to disagree for turkey. the regulations do not allow for discharge of neither black nor grey water and in marinas and areas like gocek this is monitored very closely. fines are hefty. so, suggest to be careful and consult your agents for particulars.