Safe Boating through Education
In Celebration of a Green Boating Season
Engine, Hull & Propeller, Deck, Bilge, On the Water, Marina Waste, Sanitation Waste, Spills, Hull Cleaning
As spring commissioning draws near and the anticipation and excitement of a new boating season builds, please take time to be an environmentally responsible boater this year. While preparing for spring launch and commissioning routines, consider the tangible actions that you can take to be more environmentally friendly this season. Listed below are many ideas that can help you reduce your environmental impact and provide a greener boating experience. Take action on some of these ideas and make a positive impact on the health of our waterways. If we all do a little, together we can accomplish a lot! Here’s to greener boating!
Waste:
1. Recycle your waste
2. Look for catch basins or other collection systems at posted wash areas at local marinas. Pull the boat out of the water to clean the hull and be sure to capture any sediments and dispose of properly. Soft, ablative toxic paints contain toxic materials such as copper, tin, mercury, chromium and lead that are harmful to marine life
3. Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil and other hazardous wastes at a waste collection facility when you return to land. 12 V batteries are among the most recycled products in the world. Many marine accessories stores offer a $10.00 credit on a new battery when you return your used one. Never discharge your sewage when you are near the shore. Check local rules and regulations for specific restrictions. Nearby pump-out stations and shore-side facilities are available for proper waste disposal.
1. Always use a sewage pump-out facility to empty holding tanks
2. If you have a “Y” valve with a through hull fitting that allows untreated sewage discharge directly overboard, it should only be used in the ocean beyond the three mile territorial limit. At all other times, the valve should be locked in closed position (use a padlock or non-releasable wire tie) so nothing can be discharged overboard.
3. For sanitation systems that require treatment chemicals, look for chlorine-free and formaldehyde-free products
1. Do not allow excess cleaning products to enter into the water. The most damaging pollutants are those that persist and tend to increase in concentration as they are transferred through the food chain
2. Limit fuel spills—Fill your tank slowly and use absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Avoid “topping off” and leave the tank 10 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. Learn more about boat fuelling.
3. Do not add soap—Avoid using soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. It increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal.
1. Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water—If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard. When performing work on the water minimize your impact by containing waste. Learn more about boat cleaning and maintenance.
2. Reduce toxic discharges from bottom paints—Use a less toxic (or nontoxic antifouling) paint to minimize the discharge of heavy metals into the water. Dry storage is another good technique; it reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money.
3. Prepare the surface with dustless vacuum sanders. They help to prevent emissions of sanding debris that coat other boats, contaminate the water, and become airborne pollution.