Configuration of the Head:  A common configuration of a marine head system is as follows:

1)  A water intake through-hull and seacock (red arrow in upper right picture).  This may be shared with other boat systems such as the sump pump (shower drain water outflow).
2)  A line which runs to a valve and pump (red arrow in lower right picture) and another line which runs from the pump to he bowl..
3)  A small toilet bowl (called a "head") and
4)  A line running to a holding tank. 
5)  A holding tank ("C" in lower left picture)
6)  From the holding tank there is a line which runs to the top of the deck and another which runs to a macerator pump ("A" in lower left picture) and out the through-hull  a seacock and through-hull ("B" in lower left picture).    See below for regulations regarding the discharge of treated and untreated sewage.   


(click on pictures to enlarge)
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
     Once the line leaves the marine toilet ("head") there is considerable variations between boats.  Some boats do not have a direct overboard discharge system.  Some boats have a "Y" valve which allows for waste discharge before it enters the holding tank.

Operation of Marine Head:  The following steps should be taken:

1)  Open the marine head's water intake seacock.  This should be keep closed (except when in use) to keep water from coming into the boat when it heals excessively.
2)  Place the lever in the "wet" position and pump the head wet.
3)  Use the head.
4)  Pump the head "wet" some more to clear the lines of waste.
5)  Place the lever in the "dry" position and pump the head dry.
6)  Close the marine head's water intake seacock.

Hints:  If you encounter resistance when you are using the pump, stop pumping.  Do not use the head standing up. 

Overboard Waste Disposal:   Many countries abide by Annex IV of the Marpol Treaty which prohibit human waste discharge in coastal waters within 25 miles of a shore.   The United States does not and has only a 3 mile limit for the prohibition of dumping untreated or inadequately treated sewage in coastal waters and navigable waters.  Other inland waterways have non-uniform limitations. However, the United States' no discharge zones prohibit even adequately treated sewage from being discharged.    Link to listing of US inland no discharge zones. 

Some countries such as Canada have more lenient rules, but good environmental practices dictate the use of pump-out stations whenever possible.  When pumping out be sure to use the proper deck orifice and not the fuel or water deck fills.  Always stow rubber gloves on board to use when pumping out or fixing the head. 

Annex V of the Marpol Treaty  (See figure below), which the United States does participate with, prohibits discharge of plastic waste no mater how far a vessel is off-shore.

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