Running a mobile pump-out business in California
A mobile pump-out service empties boats' holding tanks at the slip, by boat or from the dock, so owners and liveaboards don't have to move to a pump-out station. It touches three sets of rules: county permits for hauling sewage, where you can empty your own tank, and the harbor's vendor rules. Several of these vary by county and harbor, and we flag where.
The Clean Vessel Act and what it sets
The federal Clean Vessel Act funds pump-out stations. A pump-out station is a facility that pumps or receives sewage from a boat's holding tank. Facilities built or run with CVA money must be open to the public, and the most they can charge per pump-out is $5.00.[1] That cap is on CVA-funded facilities; it tells you what owners compare your price with.
In California, the Division of Boating and Waterways runs the CVA grants for pump-out installation, operation and maintenance, and private businesses can be eligible.[2]
County hauler permits
Counties regulate businesses that collect and haul liquid waste, and the rules differ. Orange County's Liquid Waste Hauler program registers vehicles and vessels that collect nonhazardous liquid waste, including from boats, with an inspection, a fee and a decal.[4] San Diego County issues sewage hauler permits.[5] Other counties' programs are written mainly for trucks.
Where the waste goes
A pump-out operator has to empty its own tank into an approved shoreside pump-out or sewer connection, or hand it to a licensed hauler. The 2012 EPA rule made all California marine waters a no-discharge zone for large vessels[3]; rules for smaller boats are set separately and locally. Before you start, agree in writing with a marina or facility where you will offload, and ask the county what records it wants.
Harbor rules and liveaboards
Liveaboard rules create steady demand. Delta Bay Marina, for example, requires liveaboards to pump out at least every 30 days and sign the office log.[6] A log the owner can show the marina is part of what you sell.
You'll also need the harbor's vendor permit and insurance. San Mateo County Harbor District, for one, requires hull, machinery and protection and indemnity coverage (including towing) from vendors who operate a vessel.[7] See marina vendor approval.
Insurance for a pump-out boat
- P&I and hull for your own boat: liability from operating it, and damage to it.[8]
- Pollution coverage: some marine trades programs offer it as an add-on.[9]
- General liability and workers' comp, as for any marine trade.
Whoever runs the boat needs a California Boater Card, or a Coast Guard license, which exempts them.[10]
Keep records
Log every pump-out: the boat, slip, date, gallons, and where you offloaded. It answers the marina's questions about liveaboards, the county's about your hauling, and the owner's about what they paid for. The pump-out log is a free printable version that totals gallons and flags boats overdue against a 30-day interval.
Sources
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (via Cornell LII). 50 CFR §85.11, Clean Vessel Act: program requirements for funded facilities.
- California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways (via grants.ca.gov). Pumpout and dump station installation grant (FY26).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Federal Register). California No Discharge Zone for vessel sewage, final rule (77 FR 11401) (February 27, 2012).
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health. Liquid waste hauling FAQs.
- County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Sewage hauler permit application.
- Delta Bay Marina. Marina rules.
- San Mateo County Harbor District. Commercial activity permits.
- Amwins. Protection & indemnity insurance: overview and coverage concerns.
- Great American Insurance Group. Marine Craftmaster (small marine trades program).
- California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways. DBW reminds boaters of California law to obtain and carry a California Boater Card (June 28, 2022).