Good, Clean Boating Fun
Greentips: July 2004
If you like to fish, water ski, or just cruise along the shore, here are some tips for guilt-free boating—how to enjoy the water while minimizing the air and water pollution caused by motorboats and personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners).
|
Is there a topic you would like to see |
Engines: Many gasoline- and diesel-powered watercraft use inefficient two-stroke engines that pollute the air with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which form the respiratory irritant ozone. In addition, as much as 30 percent of the gasoline consumed by these engines ends up being discharged—unburned—into the air and water. To reduce this pollution, avoid idling or running at full throttle whenever possible. Routine oil changes and engine maintenance will also help your engine run more efficiently.
If you're looking to buy a boat, choose one with an efficient four-stroke or direct fuel injection (DFI) two-stroke engine. These engines cost slightly more than a traditional two-stroke engine but make up that cost difference in fuel and oil savings. They also release fewer pollutants into the atmosphere.
Fuel and oil: Just one quart of engine fuel or oil can contaminate hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. To protect marine animals from this hazard:
- Avoid overfilling your fuel tank or spilling fuel. Fill portable, approved containers on shore.
- Keep oil-absorbent rags and mats on board to clean any spills.
- Dispose oil, filters, and rags properly.
Antifouling paint: Antifouling paint contains copper, tin, and other toxic chemicals that kill or repel marine organisms that would otherwise attach themselves to a boat's hull. To keep your boat clean while preserving the health of marine ecosystems:
- Use the least toxic product that fits your needs. A coat of wax on top of regular boat paint creates a slick surface that inhibits growth instead of killing it. Teflon- or silicon-based antifouling paints achieve similar results.
- A less attractive option is "hard" antifouling paint, which gradually releases toxins into the water.
- The worst choice is ablative antifouling paint, which wears away quickly. Hulls already coated with ablative paint should be washed as gently as possible.
- Perform hull maintenance (cleaning, sanding, or scraping) on land. Use a tarp to catch any debris.
Cleaning: Many boat cleaners contain chlorine, ammonia, or phosphates harmful to marine life. Use non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
Waste: Raw sewage must be disposed of at an onshore pumping facility, and local laws may even prohibit the discharge of treated sewage (if your boat has an onboard sanitation system) into the water. Contact your local Coast Guard office for discharge regulations.
