Boating tips

Boat owners who do their own maintenance and repair work must be aware of the environmental consequences, and must learn the basic steps they can take to protect the environment, remembering that they themselves are part of what they will be protecting. If they prefer to use professional maintenance, they should apply the same basic principles to the yard that is doing the work.

10 ways to more environmentally friendly boat MAINTENANCE

Boaters enjoy the best of our waterways: the peace of being on the water, the ability to interact with nature, and the beauty of the open spaces. Whether you are in a personal watercraft, a row boat, or a large motorboat, each of us has a vested interest in the health of these waterways and natural resources. It's this vested interest that drives many boaters and marina operators to ask what they can do to help the environment. The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water works to help these groups understand specific actions they can take to take care of the environment while having a great time on the water. Here are some ideas:

• Reuse and recycle. Recycle spent antifreeze, fuel, oil, oil filters, and batteries. Use less toxic propylene glycol antifreeze whenever possible, but check before mixing it with other antifreeze for recycling.

• Put a sturdy trash container on your boat. If it's in an open area, make sure it has a locking lid to prevent light items from blowing away.

• Tune up your engine. A tuned engine improves fuel economy and burns fuel more efficiently, causing fewer emissions into the air and water.

• Clean your bottom. Keeping your hull clean and free of barnacles, grass and other marine growth will help reduce fuel consumption, and help increase your boats' performance. Use a hard (not ablative) anti-fouling paint if you plan on scrubbing the boat bottom while in the water.

• Rinse your boat on the spot when you haul it out of any waterway to remove hitchhiking plants and organisms. By doing so, you help prevent the spread of harmful invasive species.

• Recycle at your marina. If you do not currently have recycling at your marina, let the manager know that you and other boaters would support the separate collection of recyclables, particularly aluminum cans.

• Fix your prop. Damaged props greatly reduce the efficiency of your engine. Having a prop that is clean and in good condition will increase your performance, and help reduce fuel consumption.

• Clean your bilge. Having a clean bilge will help you spot fuel/oil leaks, and help you avoid discharging petroleum into the water. A clean bilge is also much easier on your nose!

• Wash your boat often. Try to wash your deck off regularly with fresh water and a scrub brush to reduce the amount of strong chemical cleaners needed throughout the boating season. If you boat is hauled for the winter, use that time to do any significant cleaning or repairs, to reduce the potential for pollutants to enter the water.

• Refuel carefully. Do not top off fuel tanks, because it usually leads to spillage. Check out the Boat U.S. Foundation's 'Help Stop the Drops' information to learn more at Boat US

• Clean naturally. By using natural cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda, or biodegradable cleaners and detergents, you will help reduce the amount of solvents and chemicals going into the water.

For more ideas, click here to view a copy of the BoatU.S. Foundation's '21 Steps' brochure. [1]

You may also download this file or order copies of the brochure for distribution to other club members or friends.

10 ways to more environmentally friendly BOATING

Boaters have a vested interest in clean water, which is able to support diverse fish and wildlife. One by one our collective actions add up. Here are some ideas about how you can help the waters while boating.

• Stash your trash. Never throw anything into the water that didn't come out of it. Keep trash, even food waste, onboard and bring it back to recycle or throw away on shore.

• Fish for the future. Learn proper catch and release techniques and use them after you've caught what you need.

• Respect marine wildlife. Don't feed or harass dolphins and other mammals. Reduce speed and give a wide berth to whales and manatees.

• Watch your wake. Large wakes can unnecessarily accelerate shoreline erosion. Throttle back in narrow waterways. Use moorings rather than anchoring in environmentally delicate areas such as coral reef. When snorkeling or diving, never touch any live coral.

• Comply with sewage standards. Install a coast Guard- approved marine sanitation device on your boat and use it. Consult up-to-date cruising guides for the locations of pump- out facilities. If you can't find one in your area, organize boat owners to convince your local marina to install one.

• Establish a boat rule that no trash goes thrown overboard - even cigarette butts. While orienting guests aboard your boat, let them know about this rule and the reasons behind it.

• Use moorings rather than anchoring in environmentally delicate areas like coral reefs.

• Less is more. Reduce the amount of packaging and plastic you take aboard. Pack food in Tupperware, use bulk containers of chips, soda, etc.

• Know the water. Avoid shallow waters, reefs, and sandbars. You can not only avoid the cost of a tow, potential fine, and the damage done to your boat, but you can also help protect fragile marine plants and animals.

• Get involved. You can make an even greater impact by donating money and/or your time to environmental action groups, from national organizations like the Center for Marine Conservation, the BoatU.S. Foundation, and to regional groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Be a watchdog. If you're out on the water and see oil or chemical spill or other pollution, call the Coast G

For further reading on these topics and other boating information, The BoatU.S. Foundation recommends any of the following: All of these can be found through your local BoatU.S. Marine Center, the BoatU.S. Catalog or the Online Store! [www.boatus.com]

       * Chapman's Piloting by: Elbert S. Maloney
       * Chapman's Hands-On Powerboating CD ROM
       * The Annapolis Book of Seamanship by: John Rousmaniere
       * US Power Squadron Booklets (Knots, Sailing, GPS, Radar, etc.)
       * US Coast Guard Auxiliary's Skipper's Safe Boating Course

• It is advisable that you are able to swim.

• Obtain a skipper’s license for the class of craft you are operating.

• Familiarize yourself with local conditions.

• Always inform someone where you are going and when you can be expected back.

• Make sure your boat is fully equipped ( including sufficient fuel ) and that everything is in working order. It goes without saying that your craft and equipment must be seaworthy.

• Ensure your radio is working and you are aware of its proper use. Cell phones can also be useful out at sea.

• File a cruise plan and keep within the distance restrictions of your craft.

• Never overload your boat. Try not to stand up in small boats.

• Be observant and keep an eye on your surroundings for obstacles, weather changes, and traffic. Always check the weather forecast and beware of the following bad weather signs:

-Sudden changes of wind direction after several days of blowing in a constant direction.

-Wind velocity that increases in the afternoon or evening.

-Approach of severe weather can be indicated by a gale, Mares’ tail clouds, a copper colored sunset or sunrise.

-Increasing humidity.

-Heavy and inexplicable swell at sea.

• It is essential that all crew have a change of warm clothing, sufficient food and water.

• Safety equipment must include lifejackets (SAMSA approved) and flares, do a safety check before putting out to sea. There should also be a fire extinguisher on board as most boat fittings are wooden and easily flammable.

• Should you get into difficulty, try to stay with your boat, board or sailboard.