Sewage Pollution Prevention for DCVs

Changes to the NSW Marine Pollution Act 2012 have been made to improve the protection of NSW waterways from vessel pollution. This includes additional provisions for the proactive prevention of sewage pollution. The changes will have impacts for industry and Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) owners.

The Marine Pollution Regulation 2024 came into effect on 25 March 2024, with a phased implementation period for DCVs to obtain a sewage pollution prevention certificate (SPPC). Transport for NSW Maritime will continue to provide support for industry and vessel owners to navigate the SPPC requirements.

Sewage Pollution Prevention in NSW

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Maritime is responsible for the environmental protection of the NSW waterways, including regulation of vessels that are equipped with toilets and sewage systems that could potentially result in sewage pollution.

The legislation behind this is the NSW Marine Pollution Act 2012 and the Marine Pollution Regulation 2024.

Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate

The Marine Pollution Act 2012 sets out the requirement for prescribed vessels to have a NSW Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (SPPC) and the Marine Pollution Regulation 2024 introduces the implementation dates for certification and includes the NSW sewage standards for the sewage systems on commercial vessels. 

Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificates for commercial vessels will protect the environment and safety of passengers, crew and waterway users. A valid certificate assures the public that the vessel meets its pollution prevention requirements.

For any queries contact SPPC@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Commercial vessel operators' responsibility

Commercial vessels operated in NSW waters must comply with the sewage system requirements in the Marine Pollution Regulation 2024. 

The NSW Marine Pollution Act 2012 sets out that the master or owner of a commercial vessel with a toilet* must not begin a voyage unless there is a sewage pollution prevention certificate in force, in respect of the vessel. Penalties apply.

* Exceptions to this are Class 4 vessels without overnight accommodation or vessels operated in NSW waters for no more than 30 days in a 90 day period

After the implementation dates a commercial vessel must hold a valid NSW Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate that indicates that the vessel's sewage system complies with the NSW sewage standards.

An Application for a Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate must be submitted to TfNSW (Maritime) for commercial vessels. More information can be found in the TfNSW FAQs (PDF, 371.74 KB).

In addition to the requirements for a compliant sewage system to be installed on board, the owner has the following responsibilities:

  • Maintain any toilet, holding tank, greywater tank and associated fitting on the vessel in good condition.
  • Develop a plan of maintenance for the equipment and fittings and record any maintenance for the sewage system. 
  • Maintain sewage pump-out records
  • Never allow any holding tank on the vessel or other part or fitting of the sewage system to be modified or removed unless consent is obtained from TfNSW Maritime
  • Vessels fitted with an on-board Class certified sewage treatment system must not discharge within any no-discharge zone. The sewage system must be maintained in good condition and must not exceed the maximum treatment capacity as specified by the manufacturer
  • All untreated sewage should be disposed of into a waste collection facility, or in accordance with an environment protection licence issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. Refer also to Pump out facilities and locations.

Watch the below video covering the changes.

Reporting requirements

The NSW Marine Pollution Regulation 2024 sets outs that the master or owner of a vessel must notify TfNSW in the case that:

  • the vessel is involved in an accident that substantially affects the integrity and operation of the sewage system or 
  • the vessel has a defect that substantially affects the integrity and operation of the sewage system or 
  • modifications to the sewage system of the vessel are required. 

Notifications of any of the above should be made in writing to SPPC@transport.nsw.gov.au.   

Reporting Pollution

If you observe pollution that appears to be sewage or greywater, please report it to the appropriate authority.

If the pollution appears to be coming from a vessel on the water, it should be reported to TfNSW by calling 13 12 36.

Where an incident occurs within the NSW major ports or regional ports (Eden and Yamba) the relevant authority is the Port Authority of NSW. Alternatively, reports may be made to AMSA.

We ask that you record as many details as possible to help us with our investigation including:

  • the vessel name
  • vessel registration number
  • the time and place of the incident
  • the type of pollution you see.

If the pollution appears to be coming from a marina or land-based facility, you’ll need to contact either the  NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) or the local council.

Most larger facilities require a licence from the EPA. You should check their public register of licenced premises.

If the facilities are listed on the EPA public register, you can report the incident on 13 15 55, providing as many relevant details as possible. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If the facilities are not listed on the EPA public register, they’re the responsibility of the local council and you should report the incident to them.

If you're unsure of who your local council is, you can find out through find your local council - Office of Local Government NSW.