Page 16 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

Cell phones, although great for communication on the ocean, it is prohibited to discharge any sewage
land, may not work in an emergency situation out on the -treated or untreated. AllY-valves on boats in Sole
water. Several disadvantages include: State Waters must be secured in the closed position
• Geography may limit or block cell phone signal; while moored or in operation. Use of a padlock, a non-
• Caller’s location cannot be determined using the radio releasable wire tie, or the removal of the valve handle is
considered adequate for securing the device. The method
direction finders; chosen must be one that creates a physical barrier to the
• 911 calls from maritime locations are frequently use of the valve.

misdirected to police or fire departments, which can On waters designated as federally navigable
delay a water rescue response; (Columbia, Willamette, Snake and on navigable portions
• Cell phones cannot be monitored by other boaters; of all coastal rivers), the use of an approved marine
• It may not be possible for the caller to be contacted by sanitation device (Type I or II) is permitted to discharge
the rescue boat or aircraft. treated sewage. The discharge of untreated sewage (Type
III holding tank system) is only permitted beyond the 3
If a cell phone is your only means of making a distress mile ocean limit.
call, take the following precautions before leaving the
dock: Many boats carry portable toilets and stationary toilets
• Make sure the cell phone battery is fully charged; for convenience. Large boats may have a Type I or II
• Keep the cell phone in a waterproof bag that fl oats; marine sanitation device (MSD) that pre-treats sewage
• Have the U.S. Coast Guard and other appropriate water before discharging. Most boats in Oregon, however, have
marine heads with Type III MSDs (holding tanks with no
rescue phone numbers programmed into your cell treatment), or carry portable toilets on board.
phone;
• When you fi rst place the distress call, immediately give Proper disposal of boat sewage is crucial to keeping
your: our waters clean for swimming, waterskiing, boating and
• Cell phone number, vessel name and/or description fishing. Please empty holding tanks and portable toilets
at public pump-outs or dump stations. Small boats can
position and/or location, nature of the emergency also use floating restrooms.
number of people on board. Repeat cell phone
number before ending the phone call. A complete list of free, public pump-outs and dump
• Speak slowly so that you can be clearly understood. stations is available from the Marine Board website
(www.boatoregon.com) or by calling 503-378-8587.
Boat sewage
discharge regulations Please report illegal sewage discharges to the U.S.
Coast Guard or the Water Quality Division of the Oregon
(Code of Federal Regulations -40 CFR 140.1-3) Department of Environmental Quality immediately when
In all freshwater lakes, impoundments and reservoirs witnessed. Violators will be prosecuted.
(Sole State Waters) that are not accessible by boat from

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