Number 2-96 -- 1 January 1996

Environmentally Friendly Boating:
Available Materials to Complement the
BS&S, Ilth Edition

Introduction

In teaching our new Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course to the public, the Auxiliary has an excellent opportunity to foster the concept of "Environmentally Friendly Boating." The 11th Edition of the BS&S has incorporated key elements of this concept throughout the text, and supplemental information is available. The purposes of this PE Speed-gram are to reinforce the need for environmental awareness and to inform our instructors about the availability of additional materials that can be used in our Bs&s classes. (We are targeting this message for the BS&S course, because our enrollments are greatest in this course. However, these same materials can be distributed in the Boating Safely Course, Sailing and Seamanship (S&S), Basic Coastal Navigation (BCN), and Advanced Coastal Navigation (ACN) courses.)

"Environmentally friendly boating" is a catch phrase used to describe a collection of operating and maintenance practices which mitigate potentially adverse environmental impacts associated with our use of the nation's waters. For the most part, these practices are not burdensome, and normally followed as part of safe boating. Foe Example:

• Following channel markers is an environmentally friendly practice. Staying in water of adequate depth is a basic element of good seamanship. After all, your propellers do not make efficient depth sounders and groundings are potentially hazzrdous as well as costly. Even if you don't run aground, sand churned up from shallow bottoms can damage your engine's cooling system and lead to costly repairs. Groundings and running at high speed in shallow areas can cause significant environmental problems as well, disturbing bottom-dwelling organisms and ham-iing seabed vegetation.
• If your boat does become grounded, attempting to motor your way out is not a safe practice. You may only compound your problem and, moreover, damage your engine and propeller in the process. Further, attempting to motor off when grounded generally damages the seafloor, vegetation, and reefs, too.
• Use of proper anchoring techniques, such as checking the holding qualities of the bottom and using the appropriate anchor scope, is also common sense seamanship as well as environmentally friendly. After all, a dragging anchor is potentially hazardous and does little to ensure sound sleep. But dragging your anchor or anchoring on rubble, coral reefs, or sea grass also harms the environment-destroying vegetation and coral.
• Maintaining your engine(s) (e.g., adjusting idle, changing spark plugs) increases their efficiency and longevity-improving fuel economy and lowering the likelihood of engine failure while cruising. Well-tuned engines have environmental benefits as well, reducing hydrocarbon emissions.
• Selection and application of bottom paint have environmental and performance benefits. Appropriate bottom coatings will minimize damage to marine life while preventing buildup of material on the hull that could reduce vessel performance. In turn, improved vessel performance reduces stress on the marine environment.

In many cases these practices are mandated by applicable laws. For example:

• Speeds may be regulated (by local or state ordinances) for various reasons. Operating at reduced speeds lowers the likelihood of wake damage to personal property as well as the shoreline (erosion).
• Disposal of plastic, or garbage mixed with plastic into any U.S. waters is prohibited under the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA) and MARPOL Annex v. Common items found aboard vessels such as six-pack rings, fishing line, and plastic bags entangle and kill sea birds, turtles, fish, and mammals if released into the marine environment. Plastics can last hundreds of years, harming even large mammals such as the gray whale. Debris can foul propellers and cause engines to overheat. Such discharges are unlawful and could lead to substantial fines.
• Discharge of untreated sewage wastes into any U.S. territorial water and within three miles of shore is prohibited under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Numerous studies indicate that sewage from boats contributes to the degradation of water quality. Due to reduced circulation, harbors, lakes, and bays are particularly affected by human sewage, so there is ample motivation for limiting these discharges.

Compliance with these laws is neither difficult nor costly, and has demonstrable benefits to the environment. But noncompliance could be very costly!

These and other ideas are presented in pamphlets prepared by the Center for Marine Conservation (cmc), the United States Coast Guard Marine Response Division (CMRO), and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Several of these pamphlets are stocked by the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC). A brief description of each is provided here, along with the ANSC Stock Numbers.

Inclusion in the BS&S Course

The environmental message is very important. However, rather than creating a separate chapter in the BS&S text and increasing the number of lessons in the course, it was decided to integrate this message into the basic course material. The essential idea is to present this material and distribute and discuss hand outs at the appropriate place in the BS&S course. For example, environmentally friendly maintenance practices are discussed in a handy one-page pamphlet (see below) TIPS to Keep Your Boat in TOP Shape. These ideas can be integrated into the BS&S presentation in the lesson titled "Powering Your Vessel" in chapter 8 of the BS&S 11th Edition. Suggestions on how these pamphlets can be used in the BS&S course are also included with the attached descriptions.

Flotillas are free to choose the most appropriate places in the course to introduce these materials, but are expected to cover these topics.

Tips on Teaching

Here are some suggestions to increase your effectiveness when presenting this material:

• Order materials early. This will allow each instructor to become familiar with the materials to be distributed. No instructor should distribute any material without first studying the contents thoroughly.
• Do not simply hand out the pamphlets without any discussion. Take a few minutes to highlight the relevant topics in each-particularly for those pamphlets which present material that is not discussed in the BS&S text.
• Try to avoid being "preachy" when discussing the need to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Many students resent this approach and instinctively "tum-off' when presented with an obvious "commercial." Instead, point out (as above) that environmentally friendly practices are often matters of good seamanship as well as required by law.
• Provide additional local, state, or regional materials available from government agencies that can be used to supplement the text. For example, the New York Sea Grant Extension Program and the Connecticut Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program publish an attractive brochure and stylized map depicting the boat pumpout facilities in the waters shared by New York and Connecticut. Many states have similar material available. If yours does not, consider partnering with state authorities to produce such a brochure. Many boaters complain that compliance with the law is hampered by the unavailability of information on the location of these facilities. (Note: to avoid duplication of effort, contact your district staff officer for public education to arrangefor a coordinated effort if you are interested in working with your state or local government.)
• Many students believe that "my individual contribution to pollution is insignificant." Whether or not this is true, it is certainly the case that the aggregate impacts of poor practice are significant. For example, according to cmc, every year Americans dump out or throw away more than 30 times the oil as was spilled in the Exxon Valdez disaster in Prince William Sound! Emphasize the fact that individuals can make a difference.
• The primary motivation for environmentally friendly boating should be an awareness of the benefits of such behavior. However, boaters should be aware that there are applicable laws which mandate certain practices. The attached table provides a convenient summary of applicable laws as of December 1995 that can be used as a reference by instructors.

Finally, remember the reason that most boaters engage in environmentally unfriendly activities is lack of knowledge. Our public education classes present a great opportunity to impart this information and win the hearts and minds of fellow boaters.

Abbreviations Used in This PE Speed-gram
ANSC -- Auxiliary National Supply Center
BS&S -- Boating Skills and Seamanship
CFR -- Code of Federal Regulations
CMC -- Center for Marine Conservation
CVA -- Clean Vessel Act
CWA -- Clean Water Act
EPA -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
MARPOL -- (MARine POLlution), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships at Sea
MPPRCA -- Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act
MRD -- Marine Response Division (USCG Headquarters)
MSD -- Marine Sanitation Device
nm -- Nautical Mile
OAPCA -- Organotin Antifoulant Paint Control Act of 1988
OPA -- Oil Pollution Act of 1990
TBT -- Tributyltin
USCG -- United States Coast Guard

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Environmental Impacts of Recreational Boats
Materials at the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC)to be Used with BS&S llth Edition

• "How's the Water?" Poster and Citizen Pollution Report Forms
  The poster and citizen pollution report form introduce the issues of water pollution and the importance of citizen reporting. The poster publicizes the 1-800 National Response Center phone number, while the report form provides guidance on how to report a pollution incident. The poster can be exhibited at a boat show booth, posted in marina windows, displayed by a marine dealer, or distributed to teachers. The pollution report form should be distributed through PE classes, CMES, boat shows or other relevant public presentations. The poster can be given to students with the suggestion that they post it in their marina office. The citizen pollution report forms are used for the indicated purpose. These materials can be discussed and distributed when teaching chapter 2, "Equipment for Your Boat," of the BS&S. ANSC #3512 / #7043
• Tips to Keep Your Boat in Top Shape Maintenance Brochure
  Written for the "do-it-yourself' boater, the "Tip-Top" brochure offers ways to protect the water environment while cleaning, sanding, painting, or performing general maintenance on a boat. Brochure distribution channels include (but are not limited to): PE classes, MDVS, CMES, and marina visits. As noted above, this brochure can be discussed and distributed as part of chapter 8, "Powering Your Boat." ANSC #3012
• Your Ticket to an,,Environmentally Safe Boat Trip Brochure
  Presented in a large, colorful format, this brochure introduces several boating safety tips and explains why these same safety tips can also help protect the water environment. Distribution channels include (but are not limited to): PE classes, MDVS, CMES, and boat shows. The material in this brochure might be discussed and distributed at several places in the text. Chapter 5, "Your Highway Signs," presents an opportunity as does chapter 7, "Piloting Your Boat." ANSC # 3013
• Garbage Dumping Restrictions sticker
  Owners of vessels 26' or longer are required by federal law to post a garbage dumping placard on their boat. This placard indicates what is illegal to dispose and where. It also displays the National Response Center's 1-800 citizen pollution reporting line. Distribution channels include (but are not limited to): PE classes, CMES, boat shows, and other public presentations. The contents of this placard are discussed in chapter 2, "Equipment for Your Boat." ANSC # 9022
• Managing Waste at Recr@nal Boating Facilities Manual
  Describes ways port and marina facilities can provide adequate waste management and recycling facilities. The report offers an overview Of MARPOL Annex v and offers ways for marinas to be part of "the solution to marine pollution." This manual could be distributed when teaching chapter 2, "Equipment for Your Boat," or chapter 13, "The Rest of Our Story." In a short course, it is recommended that this be distributed during chapter 2. In the interests of conserving paper, the instructor should distribute this manual only to those boaters who will provide it to their marina. ANSC #5022
• Pollution Discharge Restrictions Aid (CG-MEP-MW (9-92) also known as "MARPOL Wheel")
  This is a circular slide rule type device, constructed of sturdy cardboard, that provides a handy reference for the MARPOL discharge restrictions. By turning a wheel, the user can determine at a glance the particular discharge restrictions for each waste category (e.g., food waste, plastics, trash, etc.). The wheel also has a window to expose the appropriate citation in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Because these "wheels" are available only in limited quantity, please order only enough for instructors that will be covering this material. Hand out the TEAL placards to the students. ANSC #3017 (Note: This is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese from USCG Headquarters (G-MRO-1).)
• A Commitment to Envtronmental Excellence Pamphlet
  Presented in two-color illustrated forrnat, this ten-page pamphlet contains the Coast Guard's Environmental Policy Statement in descriptions of the multifaceted Coast Guard environmental program, including the areas of marine emergency preparedness, marine transportation management, environmental law enforcement, pollution response, and internal Coast Guard compliance. Appropriate to give to a student who is interested in leaming about the extent of the Coast Guard environmental program or as a give-away at boat shows and other events. ANSC #3014

Table of Pollution Problems and Laws Every Recreational Boater Should Know can be printed separately.