ASTM F3648-23

Standard Guide for Maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) and the Effects of Cleaning Agents on MSD Operations

SCOPE
1.1 The guide provides information and clarity to support the health and maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) on maritime vessels and platforms to promote effective operations and performance throughout the lifecycle. This includes identification of chemicals and their derivatives that can be detrimental to proper MSD operations. This guide will promote better understanding of the impacts of certain chemicals on the health and operations of MSD systems, plus provide guidance to inform operators of best practices and procedures for effective operations and maintenance. This guide is designed to assist both operators and MSD Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in collaboratively working to ensure effective operations and maintenance, and to reduce performance degradations that result from the introduction of harmful chemicals. The primary application of this guide is to Type II MSDs (described in Section 4), installed on larger ships and employing biological treatment of sewage and gray water.
Note 1: This guide does not constitute regulations or ship classification society rules, which should be consulted where applicable.  
1.2 Manufacturers preparing new product specifications or revising existing ones should follow the practices and procedures outlined herein, and be guided by the latest specifications covering similar commodities. Similarly, vessel owner/operators should consult this guide regarding in-service operations and maintenance.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 47.020.80 - Accommodation spaces
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.06 - Marine Environmental Protection

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1253-08 - Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM F1166-07 - Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• Refers: ASTM F2363-06 - Standard Specification for United States Coast Guard Type II or IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV Marine Sanitation Devices (Flow Through Treatment)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM F1166-95a(2006) - Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment and Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM F2363-04 - Standard Specification for United States Coast Guard Type II or IMO MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV Marine Sanitation Devices (Flow Through Treatment)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1253-03 - Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Refers: ASTM F1166-95a(2000) - Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment and Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000
• Refers: ASTM D1253-86(1996) - Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM F3648-23: Standard Guide for Maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) and the Effects of Cleaning Agents on MSD Operations provides essential guidance on the operation, maintenance, and health of Marine Sanitation Devices used aboard maritime vessels and platforms. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is focused on supporting effective and compliant performance of MSDs, particularly for Type II systems that use biological treatment methods for sewage and graywater. The guide clarifies the impacts certain cleaning agents and chemicals may have on MSD performance, offering best practices aimed at vessel operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and other stakeholders seeking to optimize system longevity and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)
  The guide promotes ongoing health and efficient performance of MSDs by specifying routine and repair maintenance procedures. It underscores the necessity of adhering to manufacturer guidance, periodic testing, and accurate recordkeeping of operations and maintenance activities.

• Impact of Cleaning Agents on MSD Operations
  Particular emphasis is placed on identifying chemicals, such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and certain disinfectants, that can be detrimental to the microbial cultures essential for biological MSDs. Recommendations include the use of phosphate-free, minimally toxic, and biodegradable soaps and cleaners to avoid harm to MSD treatment efficacy.

• Compliance and Best Practices
  This standard outlines adherence to both domestic and international regulatory frameworks, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vessel General Permit (VGP) and relevant IMO and MARPOL requirements. It advocates for practices such as periodic sampling of MSD effluents, trend analysis, and manufacturer cooperation for compatibility listings.

• Safety and Ergonomics
  Safety measures are provided for the handling and maintenance of MSDs, including the safe usage and storage of cleaning agents and disinfectants, and the prevention of hazardous exposures like hydrogen sulfide.

Applications

ASTM F3648-23 is highly relevant to a range of professionals and organizations, including:

• Vessel Operators and Owners: Ensures proper operation and maintenance of MSDs, helping prevent non-compliance with marine pollution regulations and costly maintenance issues.
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Guides manufacturers in specifying compatible chemicals and updating operational manuals to reflect best practices, supporting product reliability.
• Shipboard Personnel: Provides actionable best practices for daily operations, selection of cleaning products, and emergency response to common MSD-related hazards.
• Regulatory Agencies and Auditors: Assists in the interpretation and enforcement of marine sanitation standards by referencing established international and national regulations and testing protocols.
• Environmental and Marine Consultants: Offers a framework for assessing MSD performance, environmental impact, and recommending remedial actions in case of system performance degradation.

Related Standards

ASTM F3648-23 is complemented by several other international and national standards and guidelines, including:

• ASTM D1253: Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water
• ASTM F2363: Specification for Sewage and Graywater Flow Through Treatment Systems
• IMO MEPC.227(64): Guidelines on Implementation of Effluent Standards and Performance Tests for Sewage Treatment Plants
• ISO 5815-1: Water Quality - Determination of Biochemical Oxygen Demand after n days (BODn)
• ISO 15705: Water Quality - Determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand Index
• 40 CFR 136; 46 CFR; 33 CFR Part 159: United States regulations governing marine sanitation devices and pollutant analysis
• Vessel General Permit (VGP), Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA)
• Practice F1166: Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities

Practical Value

By following ASTM F3648-23, maritime stakeholders can enhance system reliability, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance in marine sanitation. The guide is particularly valuable for selecting suitable cleaning agents, structuring maintenance routines, and implementing monitoring programs to prevent operational failures in MSDs, especially on vessels with large passenger complements or complex onboard wastewater management systems.

Keywords: Marine Sanitation Device, MSD maintenance, cleaning agent compatibility, maritime wastewater treatment, vessel compliance, biological treatment, sewage, graywater, ASTM F3648-23

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3648 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) and the
Effects of Cleaning Agents on MSD Operations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3648; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 The guide provides information and clarity to support 2.1 ASTM Standards:
the health and maintenance of Marine Sanitation Devices D1253 Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water
(MSDs) on maritime vessels and platforms to promote effec- F1166 Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine
tive operations and performance throughout the lifecycle. This Systems, Equipment, and Facilities
includes identification of chemicals and their derivatives that F2363 Specification for Sewage and Graywater Flow
can be detrimental to proper MSD operations. This guide will Through Treatment Systems
promote better understanding of the impacts of certain chemi-
2.2 IMO Regulations:
cals on the health and operations of MSD systems, plus provide
MEPC.227(64)(2012) Guidelines on implementation of ef-
guidance to inform operators of best practices and procedures
fluent standards and performance tests for sewage treat-
for effective operations and maintenance. This guide is de-
ment plants
signed to assist both operators and MSD Original Equipment
2.3 ISO Standards:
Manufacturers (OEMs) in collaboratively working to ensure
ISO 5815-1 Water quality — Determination of biochemical
effective operations and maintenance, and to reduce perfor-
oxygen demand after n days (BODn) — Part 1: Dilution
mance degradations that result from the introduction of harm-
and seeding method with allylthiourea addition
ful chemicals. The primary application of this guide is to Type
ISO 15705 Water quality — Determination of the chemical
II MSDs (described in Section 4), installed on larger ships and
oxygen demand index (ST-COD) — Small-scale sealed-
employing biological treatment of sewage and gray water.
tube method
NOTE 1—This guide does not constitute regulations or ship classifica-
ISO 14593 Water quality — Evaluation of ultimate aerobic
tion society rules, which should be consulted where applicable.
biodegradability of organic compounds in aqueous me-
1.2 Manufacturers preparing new product specifications or
dium — Method by analysis of inorganic carbon in sealed
revising existing ones should follow the practices and proce-
vessels (CO headspace test) method
dures outlined herein, and be guided by the latest specifications
2.4 U.S. Laws and Regulations:
covering similar commodities. Similarly, vessel owner/
33 CFR Part 159 Marine sanitation devices
operators should consult this guide regarding in-service opera-
40 CFR Part 136 Guidelines establishing test procedures for
tions and maintenance.
the analysis of pollutants
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 46 CFR Shipping
VIDA Vessel Incidental Discharge Act
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Vessel General Permit (VGP)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 2.5 Other Standards:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. SM 4600-Cl Chlorine (residual) — Standard methods for the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- examination of water and wastewater
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Available from International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4, Albert
Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, http://www.imo.org.
1 4
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.06 on 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Marine Environmental Protection. Available from Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (ECFR), http://ecfr.gov.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from American Public Health Association, 800 I St N.W.,
F3648-23. Washington, DC 20001-3710, USA, www.standardmethods.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3648 − 23
3. Terminology 3.1.11 effluent, n—liquid containing sewage, graywater, or
other wastes, whether treated or untreated, flowing out of the
3.1 Definitions:
treatment system or holding tank usually to be discharged. See
3.1.1 administrator, n—the Administrator of the United
Fig. 1.
States Environmental Protection Agency.
3.1.12 environmental compliance records, n—the Sewage
3.1.2 biodegradable, n—as defined in the Vessel Incidental
and Graywater Discharge Record Book, all discharge reports,
Discharge Act (VIDA):
all discharge sampling test results, as well as any other records.
(1) for soaps, cleaners, and detergents, a product that
demonstrates, within 28 days, either the removal of at least 3.1.13 graywater, n—gallery, dishwasher, bath, and laundry
70 % of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), production of at waste water. The term does not include other wastes or waste
least 60 % of the theoretical carbon dioxide, or consumption of streams.
at least 60 % of the theoretical oxygen demand. ISO 14953
3.1.14 influent, n—liquid containing sewage, graywater, or
provides test method.
other wastes, whether treated or untreated, flowing into the
(2) for biocides, a compound or mixture that, within 28
treatment system or holding tank. See Fig. 1.
days, demonstrates removal of at least 70 % of DOC and
3.1.15 minimally toxic, phosphate free and biodegradable
production of at least 60 % of the theoretical carbon dioxide.
soaps, cleaners and detergents, n—properties of a substance or
3.1.3 blackwater, n—see sewage.
mixture of substances that:
3.1.4 captain of the port, n—as defined in Subpart 3.85 of 46
(1) have an acute aquatic toxicity value corresponding to a
CFR.
concentration greater than 10 ppm (generally, the concentration
required to kill 50 % of the test organisms must be greater than
3.1.5 chlorine, n—residual disinfectant or by-products asso-
10 mg/L);
ciated with the use of chlorine or its compounds.
(2) do not produce residuals with an LC50 less than
3.1.6 coliform, n—thermotolerant coliform bacteria which
10 ppm;
produces gas from lactose in 48 h at 44.5 °C.
(3) are “not bioaccumulative”, as defined in the Vessel
3.1.7 conventional pollutants, n—the list of pollutants listed
General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Op-
in 40 CFR 401.16.
eration of Vessels (VGP);
(4) do not cause the pH of the receiving water to go below
3.1.8 cruise vessel, n—a passenger vessel as defined in
6.0 or above 9.0;
section 2101(31) of Title 46, United States Code. The term
(5) contain, by weight, 0.5 % or less of phosphates or
does not include a vessel of the United States operated by the
derivatives of phosphate; and
federal government or a vessel owned and operated by the
(6) are biodegradable.
government of a State.
3.1.16 navigable waters, n—has the same meaning as in
3.1.9 dilution, n—process water added to the treatment
system. section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as
amended.
3.1.10 discharge, n—a release, however caused, from a
vessel, and includes, any escape, disposal, spilling, leaking, 3.1.17 priority pollutant, n—the list of toxic pollutants listed
pumping, emitting or emptying. in 40 CFR 401.15.
FIG. 1 System Diagram of a Sewage Treatment Plant
F3648 − 23
3.1.18 quaternary ammonium compounds (qacs), 4.5 Type III marine sanitation devices are considered “hold-
n—synthetic cationic surfactants used as antiseptics, sanitizers, ing tanks” for graywater or sewage, or both. Type III MSDs are
disinfectants, and bactericides, among other uses. not considered processing or treatment systems, and are
generally outside the scope of this guide. See also 33 CFR Part
3.1.19 retention tank, n—auxiliary tank, pressure vessel,
159.
container, reservoir, or similar component for storing liquids,
solids, or gasses used or capable of being used during the
5. Summary of Best Practices
treatment process.
5.1 Disinfectants currently being used aboard ships and
3.1.20 sewage, n—human body wastes and the wastes from
offshore structures have become sophisticated to the point
toilets and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body
where it is difficult for operators to distinguish their suitability
waste.
for use with marine biological sewage treatment systems. One
3.1.21 treated sewage, n—sewage meeting all applicable
class of disinfectants is being increasingly used in cleaning
effluent limitation standards and processing requirements of the
compounds, and it threatens the ability of certified marine
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, and of Title
sewage treatment systems to meet USCG, MARPOL, and
XIV of Public Law 106-554 "Certain Alaskan Cruise Ship
Vessel General Permit (VGP) 2013 regulations in service.
Operations", and regulations promulgated under either.
These are quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly re-
ferred to as “QACs” or “quats”. “N alkyl dimethyl benzyl
3.1.22 untreated sewage, n—sewage that is not treated
ammonium chlorides” are an example.
sewage.
3.1.23 wastewater, n—liquid containing sewage, graywater, 5.2 QACs can be found in toilet bowl cleaners, dishwashing
detergents and rinses, floor cleaners, and laundry products, all
or other similar wastes, including flushwater.
of which are used or capable of being used to clean systems
and components aboard vessels.
4. Classification of MSDs
5.3 In municipal treatment systems, there is generally sub-
4.1 A Type I marine sanitation device is a flow-through
stantial water dilution of the influent streams and toxic chemi-
sewage treatment system that commonly uses maceration and
cals found in graywater and sewage. Much higher concentra-
disinfection, for installation only on vessels less than or equal
tions of waste and chemicals, and less water dilution are found
to 65 ft in length and designed to meet the requirements in 33
aboard ships. It is possible for a biological process MSD to
CFR Part 159. This guide is generally not applicable to Type I
pass the initial certification test, but not operate reliably once
MSDs.
put into service if certain harmful chemicals are introduced.
4.2 A Type II-A marine sanitation device is a flow-through
Though the certification test protocol requires concentration of
sewage treatment system certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for
total suspended solids from the more dilute municipal sewage
installation on a U.S. flagged vessel of any length to meet the
to a minimum required by marine regulations, that protocol
requirements in 33 CFR Part 159. For U.S. flagged vessels that
does not affect the potential concentrations of toxic chemicals
engage in international voyages, Type II-A devices fitted with
in ship sewage when in service.
a holding tank for the temporary storage of treated sewage
5.4 As use of chlorine has declined, alternate disinfectants
meet the requirements of regulation 9.1.2 of MARPOL Annex
have proliferated in various cleaning agents, rinses, etc. Among
IV as a sewage comminuting and disinfecting system.
these are QACs.
4.3 Type II-B sewage treatment plant is a flow-through
5.5 Unlike chlorine, QACs and other disinfectants are not
treatment system of a type approved by the flag
oxidizing agents that are neutralized upon reacting with or-
Administration, for installation on a ship engaged in interna-
ganic matter in sewage. Rather, they tend to accumulate over
tional voyages, to meet the requirements of regulation 9.1.1 of
time within the bioreactor. Since the bioreactors employ
MARPOL Annex IV, as amended by MEPC.227(64). Such a
cultures of naturally occurring beneficial microorganisms,
sewage treatment plant installed on a passenger ship is addi-
attenuation of these microbial cultures results in reduced
tionally type approved to meet the requirements of regulation
process removal of regulated contaminants and possible non-
9.2.1 of MARPOL Annex IV when operating in a Special Area
compliance with discharge standards.
designated by MARPOL Annex IV. This treatment system is
typically a large device that is designed to be used for
5.6 This problem is generally more prevalent with passen-
processing, treating, and discharging sewage or graywater, or
ger vessels than with cargo vessels. Passenger vessel operators
bo
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