On the Water: Boating

Boating is a popular pastime! With over 350,000 boats in the Strait of Georgia, we need to minimize our impacts, especially in areas where boats congregate such as marinas, anchorages and marine parks.

You can make a big difference, by pledging to follow these guidelines:

As a Green Boater I will…

1. Manage my sewage responsibly by using pump-out services where possible and/or dumping my sewage in deep open water, away from anchorages, sensitive areas, shellfish beds and swimmers.
2.  Reduce my grey-water discharge and use only truly “green” products and/or alternatives.
3. Take care when fuelling by using oil absorbent rags and other devices to make sure no fuel goes in the water.
4. Use bilge filters or bilge pads to absorb oil and fuel so none gets pumped overboard accidentally.
5. Maintain my boat, using environmentally responsible products and/or alternatives.
6. Use “Hard” bottom paint or eco friendly alternatives.
7. Dispose of all wastes properly.
8. Haul out at responsible boat yards with containment policies and equipment so my sandings and scrapings don’t end up in the water.
9. Support marinas with responsible environmental policies and practices.
10. Help other boaters become aware by role-modeling and education
11. Follow sound practices and principles as outlined in the Guide to Green Boating

Take the Green Boater Pledge!

Useful links:

• Oceans Alive
• The Living by Water Project