Sewage systems: UK21/P003

Adopted EU recommendation POL-010. UK approved recommendation on the type approval of sewage systems

Question

Is it possible to obtain type approval on sewage systems where, based on review of the approval documentation, the prototype tests were carried out with a grey water flow of 0 (According to the MEPC.227(64) Qi / Qe = 1 (no dilution))?

Recommendation

If during the type approval process the design criteria for the sewage system are Qi/Qe = 1 (no dilution), no “grey water” shall be led to the final stage of the sewage system. Accordingly, there shall be no connection available to lead “grey water” in the final stage of the sewage treatment system.

Concluding if a Qi/Qe = 1 system has a connection for grey water it cannot be approved under the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended.

If manufacturers are placing their sewage systems on the market with a connection to lead grey water to the final stage, then the sewage system shall be approved taking into account a dilution factor. This may also require a re-approval of existing sewage systems where this grey water connection was originally not provided for.

References

  • MSN 1874 as amended
  • The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

Items affected

  • UK/2.6, Sewage systems

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2023