These tips to be a greener boater, are ideal if you sail the ocean waves. Not many people own a boat. But if you do (or rent one), there are lots of ways to help. Also see how to clean up our oceans.
- The Green Blue is a website packed with info and recommendations.
- Wear biodegradable flip-flops (to avoid plastic flops getting lost when paddling). Even rubber ones are not safe near the sea, as tyres are not biodegradable.
- Donate boat sails to make into totes (don’t buy home furnishings with sailcloth, it’s highly flammable)
- Seabin Project was invented by two Aussies to recover and recycle ocean trash. Unlike some inventions (that catch marine wildlife), this releases the water (and caught creatures). Do this immediately, so they can escape.
- Doggy Docks are used to make it easier and safer for dogs to exit and enter swimming pools, but they can also be used for boat platforms.
Boaters Helping Wildlife
Also see how to help marine creatures and crustaceans.
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue are on call to help injured/orphaned wildlife (be put through by RSPCA or Coastguard). Take their Marine Mammal Medic Course.
- Wildlife-friendly boaters can take a 4-day course with WiSe Scheme and get a flag for your boat.
- Abroad, follow boating codes to help endangered dugongs and manatees (‘sea cows’). Manatees live in Florida/Caribbean, dugongs in Australia (fluked tails). Fast boats, jetskis and loss of habitat are main threats.
- Dispose securely of all fishing waste. Ensure line recycling bins don’t resemble bird’s nests). Lead shot was banned a few years back, but still lurks in riverbeds.
- Oil spills cause birds to lose insulation/waterproofing (they freeze or drown). Use a funnel to change oil and antifreeze (lethal to pets, let your boat mechanic change it, use sand/kitty litter to soak up spills.
