A new free mobile pump-out boat has launched in West Puget Sound to serve recreational boaters during the summer cruising season.

Recreational boaters in West Puget Sound have a new 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 pump-out 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 pump-out 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, Washington, was funded by federal funds from the Clean Vessel Act and additional support from the WA State Legislature. Operations of the vessel for mobile pump-outs 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 pump-out in three easy ways:

  • Online at www.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 pump-out boat. Boaters can cast their vote at www.RBAW.org and choose between and punny contenders such as  #2 Crew, Blackwater Baron, Pooey Lewis, PooGet 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.

Recreational Boating Association of Washington