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TECHNICAL LIBRARY

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS

The recreational boating community, having the right to use the waterways, also has the responsibility to protect this environment in both the short and long term. Unfortunately there are too many examples littering our waterways of a lazy form of human who dumps their litter overboard. For example there is a spot in Lake Macquarie where from one place in fairly shallow water there can be seen over 30 dumped beer bottles - it was / is probably a good fishing spot.It is obvious that this collection has built up over many tears and is not the result of just one or two pollution instances.
All water users need to be aware that most of the pollution in our waters is the result of continual relatively small acts of vandalism - a plastic bag, a bottle, a drink can, a small fuel or oil spill etc. To make matters worse the problem is greatest in the confined waters where the water exchange is least - this is where the boat density is greatest. Therefore in marinas, ports, bays, harbours & boat shelters the boat owners and crews should be attempting to contribute absolutely no pollution to the water.

WHAT CONSTITUTES POLLUTION ?

Despite attempts by authorities to define what is pollution there is no simple answer. What would be considered pollution in a harbour would not be environmental vandalism when 30 miles out at sea - eg human waste. Determinants of pollution should include at least an assessment of the following : the area, the nature & amount of foreign matter, the likelihood and nature of dispersal, the risk to marine life and perhaps the aesthetic results. Pollutants can be divided into categories - such as Always, Usually & Maybe. There is no clear dividing line and responsible judgment is required. For example on a 15 metre vessel on oceanic transit the dumping of empty cans overboard in deep water would not constitute pollution - but one can thrown from a dinghy in a few metres of water is not acceptable . The following categories are a guide only.

ALWAYS
Regardless of circumstances some items should always be regarded as pollutants - Plastic Bags, Cans & Bottles, Poisonous, and Hazardous Substances

USUALLY
In confined waters or where boat density is high - Human Waste, Organic Material, Liquids with Dissolved Solids, Noise at Night

MAYBE
Large quantities of waste from commercial vessels at sea; Gases, Animal or Plant Matter & Noise

    Depending on authorities, pollution regulations will vary from place to place - so will the manner of enforcing compliance. Unfortunately so too will the vigour and common sense with which they are enforced. Furthermore some regulations are being considered or have already been put in place with no apparent recognition of reality. For example attempts to ban inorganic material from entering the water stop the deck from being washed (rain even?) and the anchor tackle being cleaned as it comes on board.
    This issue is becoming a political hot cake. On one hand there is a range of bureaucratic organisations seeking to expand their empires and, at the same time, exhibit a safe standard of political correctness. On the other hand there are two worlds subject to regulation- commercial enterprises and recreational boating. Unfortunately in these two worlds there are a few who will not act responsibly towards the environment - thereby giving rise to drachonian legislation.
     The Boat Owners Association of NSW keeps abreast of impending changes to boating regulations - and argue for responsible and fair regs. The BOA can be contacted through the Boa Web Site

POLLUTION PREVENTION FROM RECREATIONAL VESSELS

* Never discharge plastics
*    Follow anti-spill and fire precaution directions when refueling
*   Oily bilges must be pumped out to a shore based facility - or appropriate collection vessel.
*   Engine oil must only be discharged into a shore based facility - or appropriate collection vessel.
*   Comply with local regulations regarding the discharge of garbage & human waste.
*    Be aware of noise pollution and comply with associated regulations.
*   Decant cooking oils and fats into suitable containers for disposal ashore.
*   Wipe eating implements clean with paper before washing up.
*   Use minimal amounts of washing liquids and powders.
*   Report pollution incidents.
*   Keep noise levels to a minimum - especially at night. (Engines, generators, rigging, speech & music)

There are specific regulations applying to large vessels at sea. These designate the type and amount of permissible discharges and the minimum distances from land where discharges may take place.

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