The following is a News Release Reprinted from RBAW:
Recreational boaters in West Puget Sound have a new, free and environmentally friendly way to pump out waste—right where they are. The Recreational Boating Association of Washington (RBAW), in partnership with Washington State Parks and local jurisdictions, has launched a new mobile pumpout boat serving Liberty Bay, Port of Poulsbo, Eagle Harbor, Blake Island and Illahee State Marine Parks, Ft. Ward and select special events in Dyes and Sinclair Inlets.
This service—completely free to recreational boaters—is the next phase of a successful 2023 trial run and will operate for the next two years on weekends and holidays from May through September, with Friday service added from June through August. The boat allows boaters to responsibly dispose of onboard waste without having to up anchor or leave the guest dock and travel to a fixed pump-out location—something particularly valuable in areas like Eagle Harbor and Blake Island, where no mobile options currently exist.
“Boaters want to do the right thing, and this makes it easy,” said RBAW President Bob Wise. “By bringing pumpout service directly to boaters, we’re helping protect local waters, support clean shellfish beds, and extend boating stays that benefit the local economy—all at no cost to boaters.”
RBAW applied for and received two Clean Vessel Act grants to fund these initiatives. The 23-foot aluminum vessel, built by Pacific Boats in Marysville, WA, was funded by federal funds from the Clean Vessel Act and additional support from the WA State Legislature. Operations of the vessel for mobile pumpouts is funded through a partnership between the Clean Vessel Act (75%) and local agencies including the Port of Poulsbo, City of Poulsbo, City of Bainbridge Island, and the WA State Parks Foundation.
This program is also a critical tool for both environmental stewardship and sustaining maritime recreation. With South Puget Sound home to one of the world’s largest shellfish-growing areas, keeping fecal coliform bacteria out of the water is essential to protecting marine life, public health, and local industry.
Boaters can schedule a pumpout in three easy ways:
- Online at NWmobilepumpout.com
- By phone at 206-225-7660
- Via VHF Channel 68, or wave down the pump-out vessel
To add a bit of fun and community spirit, RBAW is also launching a public contest to name the new pumpout boat. Boaters can cast their vote at www.RBAW.org and choose between and punny contenders such as #2 Crew, Blackwater Baron, Pooey Lewis, Poo Get Sound, Wastewater Whisperer and more.
This initiative is part of RBAW’s ongoing commitment to preserving Washington’s waters for future generations and making recreational boating more accessible, responsible, and sustainable.
About RBAW:
A member-supported nonprofit, RBAW is the only organization in Washington devoted exclusively to representing and advocating for recreational boaters statewide. From preserving historic sites like Sucia Island and Lakebay Marina to launching clean water and safety initiatives like free mobile pumpouts and “Mind the Zone” on Lake Union, RBAW works to expand boating opportunities, protect the environment, and safeguard the future of boating in Washington State.
Header Photo: Tacoma News Tribune
Text Images: RBAW map and photo
