Here’s a list of things you can do to help prevent accidents and water pollution during foul weather:

• Check weather condition on a marine band radio at 162.55 MHz, or 162.40 Mhz, on a local US Coast Guard or commercial radio station that gives weather updates or visit www.dbw.ca.gov
• Wear your lifejacket. Maintain a safe speed and proceed with with caution.
• Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach.
• Head the bow into the waves at about a 40 degree angle. Watch for floating debris.
• Keep bilge free of water. Shift to full fuel tank if vessel is equipped with dual fuel tanks.
• If your engine fails, anchor the boat.
• Secure portable containers, paint cans, petrochemicals, cleaners and other loose items that could spill and pollute.

Tips provided by California Department of Boating and Waterways.
www.dbw.ca.gov

Boating has never been so GREEN, on a Duffy Electric boat there is no gas or oil required, running purely on a 48 volt electric engine which powers the propeller, steering system, and operating system. The boat is powered by 100% electricity, with zero emissions, and protecting your waterways. Just plug into an outlet overnight and be ready for up to 10 hours on average of continuous use. Duffy Electric Boats are a wonderful alternative to gas powered motors for enjoying cruising on the local waterways and lakes. Silky smooth and whisper quiet, it’s the classy alternative to polluting, loud and offensive outboards. Your family, friends and even your senses will thank you! Not only does a Duffy eliminate pollution to both the air and water but also eliminates a lot of the costs associated with boating.
A large majority of the boating world uses their boats to just cruise at slow speeds and enjoy the experience of being on the water. If you used a Duffy Electric boat instead of a gas powered engine to get around your local waterways then you would not only be saving money but you would eliminate any contribution to the on going issue of oil and other chemical pollutants in our water.

It’s not just a boat, it’s a lifestyle. Cruising in a safe, green, clean and quiet Duffy Electric Boat is like having your own limo on the water.

For more information about these cool boats, visit Duffy’s Website.

http://ci-boatshow.com/?p=194

More and more boats are coming into market with alternative fuels. Look at this Solar Dinghy. It is the first boat to incorporate solar power into its construction.

A skiff 11.2 ft long that employs an electric motor ran by a 12 volt battery and charged by 100 watt of solar panels. They are incorporated into the construction of the hull.

The design was taken from a wooden boat of the 1930′s. A mold for production was built with updates to add to its reliability. The new boat is built out of hand laid fiberglass and trimmed in mahogany.

This project started two years ago, with redesign and testing in Newport Bay. The boat is light, weighing only 180 lbs. without the motor and battery. The battery weighs 50 lbs. each, and motor weighs 18 to 20 lbs.

It will carry 600 lbs. or two adults and two children at a speed of 4 to 5 knots, making it a great tender, or quiet fishing boat.

If you are interested in further information regarding this Solar Dinghy, contact solardinghy@aol.com

1. Prevent oily discharges from the bilge. Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks. Secure an oil absorbent pad or pillow in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur. Check the pads often, do not let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center.
2. Spill-proof your oil changes. For oil changes, use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container. Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to prevent oil from spilling into the bilge.
3. When fueling, stop the drops! Prevent fuel spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and using absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Don’t “top off” or overflow your fuel tank. Leave the tank 10% empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms.
4. Do not add soap. Never use soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. It increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal.
5. Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water. If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard. When performing work on the water minimize your impact by containing waste. Use tarps and vacuum sanders to collect all drips and debris for proper disposal.
6. Reduce toxic discharges from bottom paints. Minimize the discharge of heavy metals found in soft-sloughing antifouling paints by using a less toxic, or nontoxic antifouling paint. Use only non-abrasive underwater hull cleaning techniques to prevent excessive paint discharge. Remember, dry storage reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money.
7. Dispose of hazardous waste properly. Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters and other hazardous wastes at a hazardous waste collection facility or event.
8. Plan A-head! Manage sewage wastes properly. Never discharge sewage within 3 miles of shore. Use harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. If you don’t have an installed toilet, use a port-a-potty and empty it at a harbor dump station or bathroom.
9. Stow it, don’t throw it! Keep your trash on board. Never throw cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper.
10. Reduce Greywater discharges. Use a phosphate-free biodegradable soap to minimize the impacts of greywater on the marine environment. Also minimize discharge by doing dishes and showers on shore whenever possible.

Content courtesy of www.earth911.com

How do you know if your marina is a Clean Marina?  Here are some simple signs.

1. Ask the marina if they are a certified as a Clean Marina by the Clean Marina Initiative, which is promoted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.  Individual states, like California, also have green marina initiatives that certify marinas who practice sustainability and environmental safety.  Clean Marinas in California can be identified by this burgee or decal.

Clean Marina Logo for California

The purpose of the California Clean Marinas Program is to encourage marinas and yacht clubs to use Best Management Practices in order to prevent or reduce pollution in our waters.

Here is a list of all the certified marinas in California: Certified Clean Marinas

2. Take a walk around the docks.  You’ll notice if the marina encourages clean and green practices by observing what’s on the docks.  Notice any paints or cleaning products that may be toxic?

3. Take a look at the water. Well, this sounds simple and obvious, but the water is a good indicator as to how clean and green your marina really is.  A clean marina should provide guidelines for preventing and handling spills, including the use of spill pads.  Check the docks for spill pads, pillows, socks or other absorbent materials that are readily available for spills that may occur.

A Certified Clean Marina is always a great resource to any vessel owner who wish to use greener boating practices.