2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook Revision 3-7-12 - Alaska ...

2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook 3-7-12
Section 1: Wastewater
Subsection 1: Wastewater Records- Daily Observation
Job Aid Item: 1.1.a
Text: Daily waste water and related discharge logs are current, monitored and recorded IAW (18 AAC
69.050 / 33 CFR 159.315)
Background: Cruise Ships in Alaska are required to maintain a Sewage and Graywater Discharge Record
book (discharge log) onboard that documents when, where, how much, at what speed, and what type of
wastewater was discharged in Alaskan waters and waters of the Alexander Archipelago (Southeast
Alaska). State regulations only require a book for vessels discharging in Alaskan waters, but federal
regulations require all vessels to carry a record book (only over 500 passengers).
AS 46.03.465 (a): The owner or operator of a commercial passenger vessel shall maintain daily
records related to the period of operation while in the state, detailing the dates, times, and locations,
and the volumes and flow rates of any discharges of sewage, graywater, or other wastewaters into the
marine waters of the state, and provide electronic copies of those records on a monthly basis to the
department not later than five days after each calendar month of operation in state waters.
Wastewater discharge logs are critical in determining what is being discharged and where. They
could be used for compliance checks and future permitting decisions. These logs must be accurate,
complete, and filled out in a timely manner. Although the logs are also checked by ADEC staff and the
USCG, being onboard allows time sensitive checks and verification while a vessel is underway.
Errors have been discovered in discharge logs. Locations, times, and dates have been
transcribed incorrectly. Discharge ports and effluent types have been incorrectly listed. Volumes are
often estimated and sometimes do not match what would be expected for a normal volume. Discharge
logs have also documented discharges of wastewater in unpermitted areas.
It is highly recommended that the Ocean Ranger is familiar with the discharge logs and any
discharge record book instructions onboard each cruise ship. There is a wide variety of discharge logs
used. A good discharge log will include a detailed instruction sheet, clear entries, and page numbering,
although these items are not required. Figure 1 is an example of an instruction sheet often included in
or with the record book. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of discharge record book pages with signatures
are ship names removed. The completed seasonal checklist will have information on who is responsible
for the discharge logs, and where and how the records are kept.
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