Discover Boating's ten tips for clean boating
Our partners at Discover Boating have compiled a list of essential cleanliness habits to keep your boat and our lakes clean, to make sure everyone has an enjoyable summer experience.
Prevent oily discharges from the bilge. Keep your engine well-tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks. Secure an oil absorbent pad or pillow in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur. Check the pads often, do not let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center.
Spill-proof your oil changes. For oil changes, use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container. Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to prevent oil from spilling into the bilge.
When fueling, stop the drops! Prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Don't "top off" or overflow your fuel tank. Leave the tank 10% empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms.
Do not add soap. Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. It increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal.
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. Use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect all drips and debris for proper disposal.
Reduce toxic discharges from bottom paints. Use less toxic or nontoxic antifouling paint to minimize the discharge of heavy metals found in soft-sloughing antifouling paints. Use only non-abrasive underwater hull cleaning techniques to prevent excessive paint discharge. Remember, dry storage reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money.
Properly dispose of hazardous waste. Paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters, and other hazardous waste should be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection facility or event.
Plan ahead! Manage sewage wastes properly. Never discharge sewage within 3 miles of shore. Use harbour pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. If you don't have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at a harbour dump station or bathroom.
Stow it, don't throw it! Keep your trash on board. Never throw cigarette butts, fishing lines, or any other garbage into the water. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper.
Reduce greywater discharges. Use phosphate-free biodegradable soap to minimize greywater's impacts on the marine environment. Also, do dishes and showers on shore whenever possible to minimize discharge.
