---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 151.79"
title: "33"
number: "151.79"
heading: "Operating requirements: Discharge of sewage within Antarctica."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/151.79"
---

# §151.79. Operating requirements: Discharge of sewage within Antarctica.

- (a) A vessel certified to carry more than 10 persons must not discharge untreated sewage into the sea within 12 nautical miles of Antarctic land or ice shelves; beyond such distance, sewage stored in a holding tank must not be discharged instantaneously but at a moderate rate and, where practicable, while the ship is en route at a speed of no less than 4 knots. For purposes of this section, “sewage” means:
  - (1) Drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets, urinals, and WC scuppers;
  - (2) Drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay, etc.) via wash basins, wash tubs, and scuppers located in such premises;
  - (3) Drainage from spaces containing living animals; or
  - (4) **Other waste waters when mixed with the drainages defined above.**
- (b) [Paragraph (a)](#a) of this section does not apply to a warship, naval auxiliary, or other ship owned or operated by the United States and used only in government non-commercial service.
- (c) [Paragraph (a)](#a) of this section does not apply in cases of an emergency relating to the safety of a ship and those on board or saving life at sea. Notice of an activity, otherwise prohibited under [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, undertaken in case of an emergency shall be reported immediately to the National Response Center (NRC) toll free telephone number: 800-424-8802, direct telephone: 202-267-2675, or Fax: 202-267-1322.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 97-015, 62 FR 18045, Apr. 14, 1997, as amended by USCG-2008-0179, 73 FR 35014, June 19, 2008]

### Source

Source: Sections 151.51 through 151.77 and Appendix A appear by CGD 88-002, 54 FR 18405, Apr. 28, 1989, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321, 1903, 1908; 46 U.S.C. 6101; Pub. L. 104-227 (110 Stat. 3034); E.O. 12777, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp. p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 75-124a, 48 FR 45709, Oct. 6, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1902, 1903, 1908; 46 U.S.C. 6101; 46 U.S.C. 70034; Pub. L. 104-227, 110 Stat. 3034; sec. 623, Pub. L. 108-293, 118 Stat. 1063; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Amendments

[CGD 97-015, 62 FR 18045, Apr. 14, 1997, as amended by USCG-2008-0179, 73 FR 35014, June 19, 2008]