Crystal's policy is to not discharge the processed bilge water less than 12 miles from land. Automated monitoring of the oil/water separators and supporting equipment ensures that the processed bilge water discharged has less than 15 parts per million of oil, the maximum allowed in the water discharged at sea. The oily waste is retained and discharged to a reception facility ashore for proper disposal. Bilge and oily water is retained and processed by the oily water separator to remove any oil. Appropriate exchange of ballast water is conducted on the high seas more than 200 miles from land when necessary to prevent organisms and bacteria from traveling from beyond their native range and harming local marine ecosystems.įollowing guidelines set forth by international regulation, Crystal Cruises has installed sophisticated oil-water separation equipment to comply with the discharge requirements for bilge water both in port and at sea. Crystal Cruises observes local, national and international regulations regarding the reporting and discharge of ballast water. Crystal applies the same 12-mile discharge policy to graywater, which is water collected separately from sinks, showers, tubs and similar sources.īallast water is seawater that has been taken on by the ships to maintain proper stability, and is stored in ballast tanks. Crystal Cruises, however, has adopted a policy that we will not discharge less than 12 miles from shore. The cruise industry's standard is to not discharge within four miles from shore.

By national and international regulations, ships cannot discharge treated effluent within three miles of the coast. The municipal wastewater treatment plants of many cities discharge into coastal waters. In terms of discharge, Crystal strives to exceed environmental regulations. This treated blackwater is either retained in storage tanks for disposal ashore or discharged overboard according to the very strict guidelines below. The waste is processed in the MSD to reduce the solids and disinfect the effluent. This biological sewage treatment system is very similar in operation to the municipal wastewater treatment plants in many U.S. The Marine Sanitation Devices are certified in accordance with U.S. Sewage, or 'blackwater' as we refer to it aboard ships, flows to a collection tank and is then pumped into Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) where it is treated. In addition, Crystal Cruises is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which has established its own guidelines that exceed the international IMO requirements which members have agreed to follow. This especially applies to handling of garbage and hazardous wastes that are landed ashore for disposal. We are also obliged to follow all applicable laws and regulations in each country our ships visit. These standards include: The International Convention for the Safety and Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL) and the International Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United States and other maritime nations have developed consistent and uniform international standards that apply to all vessels engaged in international commerce. The environmental standards that apply to our industry are stringent and comprehensive. 'Crystal Pristine' signage is posted on deck and a card regarding conserving energy is posted in every stateroom and suite.Ĭrystal Cruises is dedicated to preserving the marine environment and oceans upon which our ships sail. Various 'frequently asked questions and answers' about our practices are also printed in Reflections several times during a cruise. At the same time, we air a video on embarkation day reiterating this message. At the beginning of every cruise, we print a 'Crystal Pristine' article in our onboard publication, Reflections, along with our environmental policy. We spread the 'Crystal Pristine' message in staterooms and in public areas. 'Crystal Pristine' is Crystal Cruises' program of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

Crystal serenity ph cabin