Responsible Boating
Being responsible when sailing or boating is vital for our environment. It is often exciting and enticing to get a closer look at wildlife, but we must avoid causing disturbance. We must also make sure we take care of the marine environment and know what, and what not, to do. The Green Blue is a fantastic go-to for advice for boat users on the water.
Wildlife encounters
- Keep your distance: the Green Blue recommend you stay 100m away from marine creatures in the water and 50m away from marine creatures on the shore.
- Use your binoculars: if you wanted to take a close look at some on the wildlife in, on or by the water, use binoculars. If you don’t need to use binoculars to view the wildlife, you’re probably too close.
- Slow and steady: if you spot something over 100m away, keep a steady speed and stay on course, but be ready to slow down and react to the creature’s movements. If it’s less than 100m, slow down and be prepared to stop to avoid collision but stay safe and don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger.
- Time to leave: if you spot marine creatures, let them take control – let them choose when to leave and do not follow them.
- Respect the wildlife: never turn your propellers towards the animals, get too close or chase them. Avoid separating groups of creatures and treat the animals with respect
Protecting the environment
- Oil & Fuel: oil and fuel pollution is devastating for marine life. Make sure you check for oil leaks, avoid spills and never pour any waste directly into the sea – dispose of it appropriately.
- Cleaning your boat: use environmentally friendly cleaning products and avoid toxic solutions.
- Anti-fouling: prevent anti-fouling from entering the water by catching it in tarpaulin and disposing of it safely, and choose the lowest biocide levels for your needs.
- Litter: never throw litter into the water, or even food and products you may believe to be biodegradable. Dispose of it appropriately when you return to land, recycling when possible.
- Invasive non-native species: avoid spreading invasive non-native species by following the Green Blue’s Check, Clean, Dry.
- Discharge Sewage: if you must discharge sewage, make sure you do it at least 3 miles from shore or use pump out facilities on-shore.
The Green Blue
Helping you to go green on board
Developed by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine, The Green Blue is an environmental programme that provides useful tips and guidance for boaters about how to go green on board. There’s information about the impacts of recreational boating on the marine environment, along with practical advice showing how you can help to protect our waters and marine wildlife to help safeguard our waters and marine wildlife for present and future generations. For more information you can contact The Green Blue at info@thegreenblue.org.uk, or visit their website.
The King's Harbour Master
Safety, navigation and Local Notice to Mariners
For more information on navigation and safety when sailing and boating in the area, and for the Plymouth Local Notices to Mariners & Navigational Warnings, visit the King's Harbour Master’s website.