Environmentally Responsible
While removing plastic debris from the waterways and oceans is our primary goal, All Hands Alliance encourages our ambassadors to clean the waterways and oceans by engaging in environmentally responsible boating. The best practices outlined here will help boaters minimize their impact on the environment as they use their boats and enjoy time on the water.
Clean Fueling Tips
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Always use a spill collar or bib when fueling.
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Know your boat’s fuel capacity and fuel carefully to prevent overfilling, which can lead to spills.
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Keep a spill kit on board, which should include absorbent socks to contain spills, woven polypropylene sheets for rapid absorption of surface oil, and gloves and protective gear.
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Take a fueling position where you can comfortably see the deck fill and nozzle to head off problems more quickly.
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Don’t overfill the tank—90 percent full is a good rule—as fuel expands with temperature.
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Fuel slowly and listen for the sound of the fuel in the fill pipe—get familiar with the process so you notice when the tone changes and the tank is full.
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Do not use dish soap or detergents to break up a fuel spill sheen on the water. The soap breaks the fuel into smaller droplets that make it more toxic to marine life.
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Federal law stipulates that the U.S. Coast Guard must be called if a spill creates a sheen on the water. Call the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 800-424-8802.
Federal law says it’s illegal to dump raw untreated sewage into navigable U.S. waters in inland waters and within three miles of shore. It is every boater’s responsibility to know when they are within the three-mile limit and abide by these regulations.
No-Discharge Zones (or NDZs) prohibit the discharge of treated and untreated sewage overboard from marine heads and holding tanks. It is every boater’s responsibility to know when they are in an NDZ. NDZs are set by authorities when pumpout facilities are nearby or discharge would affect sensitive areas, such as coral reefs or shellfishing areas.
Black and Gray Water
- Equipping your boat with a Type III MSD or a portable or composting toilet allows you to manage black water properly, by using pumpout facilities.
- Gray water is the water accumulated from showers, sinks, and also the runoff from cleaning a boat.
- Reduce gray water volume by using low-flow nozzles on sinks and showers.
- Read the labels of cleaning products and use those clearly labeled as non-toxic.
- Keep gray water from being discharged overboard and instead clean up with rags or old towels rather than paper towels.
- Use water-only washdowns to eliminate salt buildup, a little elbow grease with the scrub brush goes a long way.
- Use baking soda to scrub gelcoat, or white vinegar and salt to get rid of mildew and other stains.
Trash Disposal
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Fit your boat with fixed, covered trash receptacles and make sure your crew knows where they are and how to open and close them.
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Use reuseable containers to bring food aboard, and encourage your crew to bring refillable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste onboard.
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Eliminate and recycle plastic containers when provisioning, and choose products sold in reuseable or recyclable containers.
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Prevent trash or loose items from becoming marine debris by taking the time to secure everything before getting underway
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Pick up your own trash. If something on your boat blows away or is otherwise lost overboard, take the time to circle back and pick it up. Show your crew and those around you that clean waterways and oceans are important to you.