What do you use to lock the waste thru-hull valve?

[nskinn]

I am currently using plastic zip-ties on the thru-hull valve handle/lever but wonder what I need to do to satisfy the Coast Guard regulations?

[BarryL]

Hello,

I just use a simple padlock with a key. The key stays at the nav station.

Barry

[sailortjk1]

In our area, the local CG allows you to simply remove the handle. We volunteer for a Safety Inspection /Boarding each Spring and have always been found in compliance. Different jurisdictions may enforce different policies. This is common practice on the Great Lakes

[MC1]

From the USCG web site . . . (I'd just remove the handle myself) . . .
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[No discharge zone]
While operating a vessel in an EPA designated no discharge zone, flow-through devices are only permitted if adequately secured to prevent discharges of all treated and untreated sewage. For example, closing the seacock and padlocking, using a non-releasable wire tie, or removing the seacock handle are considered to be sufficient in most cases. For short voyages, locking the door to the head with a padlock or a door handle key lock is another acceptable method. For vessels that routinely operate in no discharge zones a Type III MSD is recommended. For more information see 33 CFR 159.7 and 40 CFR Part 140.

[nskinn]

Thanks!

I will check to see if I can remove the handle. I think that it may be rusted on.

I don't think my handle has a place to put a padlock.

What is a "non-releasable wire tie"?

[Hudsonian]

A plastic zip-tie. You're covered.

[Boasun]

Originally Posted by nskinn

Thanks!

I will check to see if I can remove the handle. I think that it may be rusted on.

I don't think my handle has a place to put a padlock.

What is a "non-releasable wire tie"?

It is a length of wire with a lead slug at one end. You poke the wire through what you want sealed and into that lead slug and squeeze it down on the wire. Then the only way you can get it off is to cut the wire.

Next question: Is the sky blue? Yes. Except on very cloudy days.

[johnshasteen]

I've been boarded by the CG twice in the Texas stretch of the ICW and they just asked us to show them the shutoff valve to be sure it was closed.

[nskinn]

I cut off my zip ties thinking that I needed to use a length of wire with a lead slug at one end. I tried to wrap it around my valve handle but it wouldn't stay in place.

Releasable wire-ties (also called cable-ties, zip-ties) are these:

Parts-Express.com:*Cable Ties 7-1/2" Black Releasable 100 Pcs. | zip tie cable tie wire tie cable management wire management ,

So non-releasable wire-ties must be the regular cable-ties.

[eherlihy]

nskinn - those particular wire ties WILL NOT meet the USCG requirement. Almost any other wire tie would. Here is an example - They are cheaper, and you can have them in the color of your choice. RadioShack