Harbors and Navigation Code section 780

(a)

A person shall not disconnect, bypass, or operate a marine sanitation device so as to discharge sewage into the waters of this state, unless the particular discharge is expressly authorized or permitted pursuant to state or federal law or regulations. A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(b)

The following prohibitions apply in no-discharge areas:

(1)

A person shall not disconnect, bypass, or operate a marine sanitation device so as to potentially discharge sewage.

(2)

A person shall not occupy or operate a vessel in which a marine sanitation device is installed unless the marine sanitation device is properly secured.
The first violation of this subdivision is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500). A second or subsequent violation of this subdivision by any one person is a misdemeanor.

(c)

A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (a) or (b) shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment.

Source: Section 780, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=HNC§ionNum=780.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2010; accessed Jun. 26, 2026).

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Verified:
Jun. 26, 2026

§ 780's source at ca​.gov