Top Ten Clean Boating Tips

Suggestions from the California Clean and Green Boating Campaign

Aug 9, 2008

There are many things boaters can do to reduce the impact they have on the marine environment and become greener sailors.

The California Clean and Green Boating Program, sponsored by the State's Coastal Commission and led by its Department of Boating and Waterways, has published a list of their top ten best clean boating tips. Following even a few of these suggestions will greatly reduce the impact of recreational boating on the environment.

1. Prevent the discharge of oil from the bilge - Keeping the engine well maintained will help prevent oil drips. The overall condition of hoses, seals, bearings, and gaskets effects the likelihood of leaks. Keep oil adsorbent pillows in the bilge spaces and under known oil drips.

2. Spill-proof oil changes - Consider the use of a transfer pump to remove engine oil. Use a spill proof container to transport used oil and dispose of it in an approved location. Place an adsorbent pad under the oil filter and wrap one around the filter body while changing it.

3. Use safe fuel practices - Safely fueling a boat also helps prevent inadvertent spills. Fill tanks slowly, wrap an adsorbent pad around the fuel nozzle, use a fuel line warning device, and don't overfill the tank to help keep fuel out of the water.

4. No soap on sheens - Avoid the use of soap or detergent to disperse an oil sheen on the water. This practice only causes oil to sink in the water column where it remains a hazard to wildlife. Use an adsorbent pad to clean up a fuel or oil spill on the water. What little fuel is not picked up by a pad will safely evaporate. Fuel and oil soaked adsorbents are considered hazardous waste and should be handled carefully. Check with your marina operator or fuel supplier for proper disposal options.

5. Minimize in-water cleaning and maintenance - Try to perform all vessel maintenance in an approved yard, especially bottom or hull work. If job must take place in the water, use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect drips, dust and debris.

6. Be selective with bottom paint and reduce toxins - Most bottom paints use copper as a biocide. Select a formulation that uses the minimum amount of active ingredient to control marine growth. Avoid ablative paints that slough off into the water. Try one of the newer hard surface antifouling paints. In-water bottom cleaning can release excessive amounts of toxic bottom paint into the water.

7. Properly dispose of hazardous wastes - Boat care generates a number of substances that are hazardous to the environment. Take things like old lead-acid batteries, spent oil filters, and used motor oil to hazardous waste collection or other approved facilities for disposal. Many materials can be recycled if correctly handled during disposal.

8. Plan and manage sewage waste correctly - It is illegal to discharge sewage within three miles of shore. Utilize pumpout stations and shore-based facilities to limit the limit of sewage on the water environment.

9. Retain trash onboard - Keep all the solid wastes generated during a voyage onboard and stowed proper containers. Take trash and garbage back to shore based facilities and recycle when possible.

10. Reduce graywater discharges - Use low or phosphate free soaps and detergents while onboard to reduce the effects of graywater on marine waters. Utilize shore-based facilities to wash dishes and take showers when able.

The copyright of the article Top Ten Clean Boating Tips in Green/Clean Boating is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Top Ten Clean Boating Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.