Boat users guide to preserving the environment

Preserving the environment comes naturally to most boaters. Clean water is the foundation for enjoyable boating.

The Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) and the NSW Maritime Authority are working hard to provide facilities, services and environmentally friendly practices to preserve, protect and improve the quality of our water and shores. To do less degrades boating's value today and tomorrow, to do our best is an environmental duty to ourselves.

All waterways users should make a commitment to:
* Use their best efforts to educate fellow boaters to support the restoration and protection of our marine environment.
* Be encouraged to maintain or improve our water quality for all boat users by compliance with all environmental laws and regulations in operation.
* Observe the regulations of usage of the waterways by Government authorities, marinas and boatsheds.
* Not automatically or otherwise drain the engine bilge, unless bilge water is passed through a filter, or other control measures to ensure no pollution of waters, and will at all times observe the "strict no discharge" policy of marinas.
* Ensure no petroleum product residue be pumped overboard. Use of petroleum absorbent material which can be appropriately disposed of on land is recommended.
* Be encouraged to use environmentally compatible products in the operation and maintenance of their vessels.
* Will be encouraged to install fuel-air separators on air vents or tank stems of inboard fuel tanks to reduce the amount of fuel spilled onto the surface water during fuelling of boats.
* Will at all times prevent fuel spills and be knowledgeable regarding how best to treat any accidental spill, to maximise safety and minimise environmental harm.
* Will prevent the contamination of waterways whilst working on or maintaining their craft.
* Will prevent and discourage in water hull cleaning or any other underwater process that is likely to remove anti-fouling or any other deleterious material to the marine environment.
* Will act at all times to protect the waterways from senseless and harmful dumping by returning all garbage and other waste to shore for proper disposal or recycling and when possible, clean up after others who are less thoughtful.
* Will be aware of the effect of noise, smoke and odours generated by their vessels and activities of those around them.
* Will keep motors efficiently tuned, and avoid excessive idling and engine noise while at marinas or in the vicinity of residential property.
* Will prevent unacceptable wake and propeller wash, especially in the vicinity of sensitive or erodible shores, marinas and waterway users.

Here are some suggestions on how to enjoy the experience of boating and help safeguard the quality of the environment:
* Make sure your boat and its engines are in good working order - regularly check seals, gaskets, hoses and connections for leaks and drips.
* Take care when filling your fuel tank to avoid spillage into the water. If you overfill your fuel tank, wipe the spill up with a rag. Do not hose the fuel into the water.
* Install a holding tank (on small craft this could be as simple as using a portable caravan/camping toilet) or an approved on-board sewage treatment system. Dispose of contents at waste receiving facilities at boat ramps and marinas.
* Limit the amount of water you use in sinks and showers. Use low or non-phosphate soaps.
* Wipe cooking utensils and plates clean with a paper towel before washing-up.
* Take care where you anchor and avoid seagrass beds as these are important fish habitats.
* Keep your bilges clean to prevent pollutants being discharged overboard. Use an absorbent pad in the bilge to clean up oily water and always dispose of the absorbents appropriately.
* Understand and obey the restrictions for engine noise and amplified music that apply to your type of vessel. Consider noise in relation to the time and area in which you are boating.
* Prevent the spread of exotic aquatic weeds such as caulerpa taxifolia. Remove all plant fragments from trailers, props, anchors, ropes, chains and fishing tackle. Collect all pieces in a plastic bag, seal it and put the bag in a bin.
* Collect all your rubbish on board and dispose of it properly ashore - this includes cigarette butts.
* When possible, remove your boat from the water and clean where debris can be captured and disposed of properly.
* When your boat is being scraped or sanded, use a vacuum sander or place a drop sheet underneath to catch paint scrapings and dust. Dispose of these carefully.
* When painting your boat's hull, use the right paint for the job and be sure to carefully follow the application instructions. Check with a marine painting professional to determine if there are alternatives and choose the most environmentally friendly products.

WHALES AND BOATS
Whale migration along the NSW coast occurs in June/July and September/October. The winter months are a time for whales to migrate north and they return down the coast in a southerly direction in spring. Boat owners need to observe some basic rules when near whales. These requirements are for the safety of both the whales and boaters.

For more information log on to: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

SEAGRASSES
Seagrass beds provide food and shelter for a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. Many popular angling species use seagrasses as their nursery, before moving to other habitats as they grow. Seagrasses also help bind the sea floor and improve water quality.

Much of our seagrass has already been lost through the effects of water pollution, foreshore development and the recreational use of our waterways.

You can help to preserve our seagrasses by adhering to the following:
* Avoid driving your boat across shallow, weedy areas, as boat propellers act like harvesters on seagrass.
* Avoid anchoring on seagrass beds, as anchors can dislodge
seagrass plants.
If you need to replace your mooring and it is currently over a seagrass bed, contact your local NSW Maritime Authority Office to discuss relocating it to an area away from seagrass.

The NSW Maritime Authority is currently trialing seagrass friendly moorings in an attempt to minimise the impact of boating on seagrass beds. NSW Fisheries is also undertaking an inventory of seagrasses in NSW which, once completed, will be included in NSW Maritime Authority's boating maps to assist you to avoid anchoring, and to determine mooring areas.

For more information see our Environment Section