6.4 BLACK WATER SYSTEM

The system consists essentially of a tank and of a black water pump (3) draining off board.

The water used for washing the toilets is taken from the fresh water circuit through the distribution manifolds.

On the manifolds are installed the solenoid valves for each toilet; they allow the flush of water each time the buttons “Before use” or “After use”, on the control panels of the toilets, are pressed.
Each toilet has a macerator pump conveying black waters into the holding tank.

The holding tank has a capacity of 330 l.
The lid of the black water tank can be inspected from the dunnages in the access corridor to the VIP cabin.

A pump in the engine room empties the tank through an extraction duct, which discharges directly into the sea through the drain below the waterline or through the aft port deck drain (1).

The pump has two operating modes, automatic and manual, which can be selected by means of the control (2) on the synoptic panel.
In “automatic” mode, reaching the 3/4 threshold triggers the pump, which remains active until the low level threshold is reached.

To start the pump In “MANUAL” mode, press the “MAN” button on the bridge control panel.
The pump remains active until the low level is reached.
If the level is lower than the low level, the pump will not start, not even pressing the “MAN” button.

CAUTION

Within 12 nautical miles from the coast it is forbidden to discharge the black water tank into the sea; it is necessary to keep the discharge pump inactive and to exclude the automatic activation.

On the synoptic panel of the main helm station, there are the warning lights of full-tank WC-disabled, full-tank pre-alarm and manual or automatic activation control of tank drain.

The discharge of black water from the shore directly into the sewer system properly is the solution of minimal environmental impact to be taken whenever it is moored in place and equipped.

CAUTION

Before leaving the harbour, check the indicators of level of the black water tank on main deck panel to perform, if necessary, the suction from the shore supply.

Procedure for emptying through the shoreside nozzle.

• Handle the hose by paying attention not to soil the deck teak, and dampen it ahead of time.
• Correctly fit the outlet for shore drain by means of the screw connection.
• Take advantage of harbour services for sewage intake with vacuum system.
• Once the operation is completed, disconnect the hose correctly by paying attention again so as not to soil the deck teak. If necessary, rinse.
  

Before entering shore, you should check the tank level and decide whether you should discharge at sea or use the port facilities by checking in advance if the your destination port is equipped for tank emptying through the aft port nozzle.
To increase the reliability and safety of the system, in case of a fault in the black water pump, it is possible to drain by means of the grey water pump. Under such conditions, it is necessary to ensure the proper opening of the concerned manifold valves.

CAUTION

During the suction black water from the dock is strictly prohibited to:

• Use the toilet;
• Press the command button then operate the pump discharge overboard.

WARNING

Before use, make sure:

• To enable services, if necessary, setting to ON the toilet system breaker on the general electrical panel in the engine room;
• The absence of the red light high-level holding tank.

CAUTION

We recommend regularly monitor the level black water from monitoring system panel (Levels) to achieve optimum use of the retention system in compliance with environmental regulations locally in force.

CAUTION

In case of sinking hazard, if escaping condition allow you this, close the ball valve of the black water drain.

CAUTION

Totally empty the system and the black water tank before the lay-up period in order to prevent any problems with freezing.

CAUTION

For all pleasure crafts, drain at sea of on-board toilets is forbidden inside harbours, landings and moorings dedicated to crafts’ anchor riding, and also within the limit of beaches visited by swimmers, as stated in the single regulations of the Port Authorities.

CAUTION

Direct sea discharge can only be carried out in the event of an emergency.

The holding tank is equipped with a sea water washing system. In order to wash the tank, you have to open the valve concerned, located on the tank door, and start the concerned pump.
This operation has to be performed periodically at a variable time interval, according to the use of the tank.
In addition to this, we recommend constantly checking the filling of the tank, so as to disconnect the pump when necessary.

WARNING

The valve for washing the holding tank must always be closed, except for during washing operations. If the valve remains open, the tank can be flooded and sea water can be boarded.

WARNING

The holding tank washing must be performed only in compliance with legislation in force, in the harbour, only under provided it is connected to the disposal facilities on land.

WARNING

When using chemical products, follow the manufacturer indications meticulously and use the suitable protection devices.

DANGER

Holding tank washing must be performed by experienced personnel and followed carefully until the tank is empty.
An excessive pump operation can cause the intake of a large quantity of water with consequent overfilling and bilge flooding.

Black water system diagram