MATTAPOISETT — Harbormaster Jill Simmons has advised boat owners to follow procedure when using the town’s boat pump-out station. The station is located at the Town Dock under the swordfish weathervane. It is free to use on a self-service basis from late April to the end of October.

Waste tank pump-out services are also provided from Sunday to Thursday. To have a boat’s waste tank pumped out, owners should call the Harbormaster’s office at 508-758-4191, or email harbormaster@mattapoisett.net.

When placing a pump-out request boaters should provide the boat’s name and mooring, or slip number. A description of the boat with information such as length, color, and style should be listed, as well as the location of the boat’s waste tank fitting cap. The cap must also be removed and then replaced one or two turns as a safety precaution, to ensure that waste does not shoot out at service providers.

Boaters do not have to be on board during the pump-out, but they should leave a name and phone number to call when the service is complete. The pump-out service is free to the general public due to funds provided through the federal Clean Vessel Act passed by congress in 1992.