#1 Choice of Marine Sanitation Devices in the #2 Business

Ahead Sanitation Systems supplies USCG Certified Type II Marine Sanitation Devices, holding tanks, and treatment chemicals for Tugboats, Towboats and Barges as well as Pleasure Craft, Houseboats and Yachts.

Our Products

USCG-certified holding tanks, Type II marine sanitation devices, commercial marine toilets, and biodegradable treatment chemicals are available and ready for worldwide shipping from Broussard, LA.

Ahead Tank

US Coast Guard Certified MSD’s. Compact, Corrosion-proof construction, Cost Effective and Simple.

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Behind Tank

The BEHIND TANK is a fully self-contained Automatic Water Waste Discharge System. It includes a submersible pump and an 8-foot, three-prong grounded power cord. Its oil-filled, sealed motor runs cooler and is designed for underwater operation.

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Biodegradable Sewage Treatment System Chemicals

Specially formulated biodegradable bacteria cultures and nutrients for use with USCG Type I and Type II MSDs. Breaks down waste, eliminates odor, and is safe for overboard discharge.

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Grinders and Macerators

Monitor, manage, and optimize your sanitation systems with advanced control panels designed for reliable performance, real-time monitoring, and seamless system operation. Built for efficiency, safety, and long-term durability.

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Saniflo Marine Toilets

Self-contained macerating toilets eliminate the need for a traditional gravity tank and use a built-in stainless-steel blade to macerate waste. The dual flush system uses only 1.28 gpf. Perfect combination for the Ahead Tank.

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Air Pumps

Reliable pumps engineered for efficient wastewater transfer and system performance, delivering durable operation and dependable flow control for a wide range of sanitation applications.

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New Builds & Retrofits

Workboats & Tugs

Houseboats & Yachts

Catamarans

Industrial Platforms

Offshore Supply/Crew Vessels

Fishing Vessels

Sewage Treatment Systems

Three Certified Systems for Every Vessel Requirement

Ahead Sanitation Systems supplies three classes of USCG and IMO-compliant sewage treatment systems and covering everything from compact limited-use installations to full commercial treatment plants for inspected vessels operating in international waters.

USCG Certified Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD Series)

USCG Certified and IMO Approved Sewage Treatment Plant (STP Series)

LUS-75

33CFR

Part 159 — Federal MSD Standard

All Ahead holding tanks and treatment units are certified under the federal regulation governing marine sanitation devices aboard U.S. vessels.

IITYPE

Type II MSD — Highest Certification

Type II devices treat sewage to a standard low enough for overboard discharge — the most stringent classification under USCG rules.

25YRS

Two Decades of Marine Compliance

Ahead Sanitation has supplied compliant MSDs to commercial operators and shipyards across the Gulf Coast and beyond since 1999.

0PPM

Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance

We don't stock uncertified or gray-market equipment. Every product in our catalog carries the full documentation you need for USCG, port authority, or flag state inspections.

Regulatory Compliance

What "USCG Type II Certified" Actually Means for Your Vessel

Under 33 CFR Part 159, any vessel with an installed toilet operating on U.S. navigable waters must have an approved marine sanitation device. Type II certification is the strictest standard. It means the treated effluent meets federal limits for fecal coliform bacteria and suspended solids before discharge.

Ahead Sanitation Systems carries only products that meet or exceed this standard. Whether you’re operating in a no-discharge zone, preparing for a Coast Guard inspection, or outfitting a new commercial build, our systems are the right specification.

Meets 33 CFR Part 159 federal MSD standards
Compatible with EPA no-discharge zone requirements
Suitable for USCG documentation & inspection
Type II approval for treated discharge in open waters
Holding tank options for all no-discharge zones

Ahead Tank is the NEXT GENERATION of biological aerobic (bacteria & air) Type II Marine Sanitation Device. Its innovated design, incorporated with advanced rotational molding technology, has enabled the AHEAD TANK to be the FIRST & ONLY Marine Sanitation Device constructed of LLPE, a Durable Lightweight Corrosion Proof polyethylene material.

USCG Type II Certified

All marine sanitation devices carry full USCG Type II certification under 33 CFR Part 159 — no workarounds, no exceptions. Pass your Coast Guard inspection with confidence.

Corrosion-Proof Construction

Saltwater, waste acidity, and vibration ruin steel fabricated systems. Our tanks and treatment units are built from marine-grade, corrosion-resistant materials that hold up in continuous saltwater exposure

Odor-Free Operation

Properly installed, ventilated, and chemically treated systems mean zero odor in crew quarters, passenger cabins, or engine rooms. Our biodegradable Sum Uh Dat treatment chemicals break down waste without toxic byproducts.

Minimal Maintenance Overhead

Designed for vessels where maintenance windows are short and downtime is costly. Simple access panels, durable seals, and long-service-interval components reduce your crew's workload underway.

Compact, Lightweight, Retrofit-Friendly Design

The Ahead Tank is engineered with a small footprint for tight bilge and engine room installations — easier to retrofit into existing workboats without structural modification.

Expert Technical Support

Our team in Broussard, LA provides pre-sale specification guidance and post-sale technical support. We understand the compliance requirements and help you spec the right system for your vessel class and operating area.

Get in Touch

Need a Specification, Quote, or Technical Advice?

Our team understands marine sanitation compliance requirements and can help you select the right certified system for your vessel class, operating area, and budget. Response within one business day.