Question: Does a vessel with an Lectrasan need to have the overboard Y valve closed or can it discharge treated material directly overboard?

Answer: The Lectra San Type I Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) is an innovative USCG-approved secondary sewage treatment system that allows a user to treat and discharge head waste in all but specified "zero discharge zones".

Many boaters find that they must regularly dose the holding tank with harsh chemicals to dissipate offensive odors, and often, due to lack of or inoperative pump-out stations, they end up discharging the harmful contents directly overboard.

Onboard treatment via a Type I MSD means that, in most bays and coastal areas, waste does not have to be retained in a holding tank. The overboard disposal of treated effluent has proven to be a realistic alternative for many boaters interested in fewer visits to pump-out stations. With this technology you can be environmentally responsible and compliant with all but "zero discharge zone" regulations, and with a twist of the Y-valve, the holding tank can be put back into use making the vessel fully compliant.

Federal and Local regulations determine whether treated sewage can be pumped overboard or into holding tank. Ensure holding tank is empty, prior to operating in restricted pumping areas.

So the answer is they still need a method of prohibiting accidental discharge.

Question: I have an Auxiliarist who took a VE exam in October 2007. She has just now, May 2012 completed the requirements for certification. How long does a VE test remain viable for VE certification? When is too long ago?

Answer: The VE Exam completion is a permanent record once passed, it never expires.

Question: How can I get a supply of Vessel Safety Check brochures? I am with the Seattle Sail and Power Squadron and we provide these to our new members.

Answer: US Power Squadrons members would get them through their normal supply chain from the US Power Squadrons and Coast Guard Auxiliary members would have the FSO-MA or Flotilla Commander order them supplies.

Question: Should an OPFAC display both USCG OPFAC's decal and an VSC decal?

Answer: No just the Operational Facility Decal.

Question: Where can I get Vessel Safety Check Examiner Job Aid booklets?

Answer: They can be orders by your FSO-MA or Flotilla Commander from ANSC:

2001E Vessel Safety Check-Examiner Job Aid - Quick reference tools while examining vessels. (MAX 5 per Flotilla)

Question: Can a boat with a head, holding tank and overboard discharge capability be passed for VSC sticker, if it does not have a Y valve?

It does have two buttons to be pressed at the same time to operate the macerator.

Answer: In the VE Manual one of the acceptable methods of being secured from accidental discharge in in your question. "A combination of switches that have to be pressed simultaneously."

So yes that device passes.

Question: Does the availability of electronic documentation on board satisfy the VSC requirement. Example, a vessel over 39.4 feet required to carry navigation rules. If they can be readily accessed on a computer, smart phone etc. Does that satisfy the requirement?

Answer: No it does not as a computer, phone anything electronic can break down and become inaccessible.

Question: What is the duration of VSC. Is it fiscal year or January to December?

Answer: We count by the calendar year.

Question: Currently the combination VE decal has been suspended indefinitely. I'm writing today to inquire about another route that we could go down. We already use a standard VE sticker as it stands now. Since we already use it, why not build upon that and modify it just slightly. Somewhere on the sticker, which does allow for this space, place two areas. One area should say "Paddle" and the other should say "Motor". The VE punches a hole through whichever one he or she may be inspecting at the time.

Answer: The sticker is given in combination with a data sheet left with the boater. If there is an inquiry by law enforcement, it is a simple matter to check the sheet to see if it is in compliance from the standpoint of power or paddle. The decal must be applied by the VE or under their supervision and therefore no need to designate what type of vessel it was.

Question: You are doing the initial qualification on several new vessel examiner trainees. Is it permissible to use the same boats for each examiner? If so, how can you fill out the 7012 especially if one of the boats has already received the safety decal from the first examiner?

Answer: As Vessel Examiner qualifiers, we must list ourselves as the examiner and use a new unexamined vessel for each candidate. you may not repeat exams, since it would be a nuisance to the owner, and a violation of policy.