Good Boating Practices

Maintain Your Vessel Wisely

• Collect all paint chips, dust & residue.  Dispose in regular trash.
• Share leftover paint & varnish
• Dispose of patroleum products (solvents, oil, gas, et al.) at hazardous waste collection sites (may be available only on specific days)
• Keep engine clean so you can spot leaks
• Slip plastic bag over used oil filters before removing to capture drips
• Use alternatives to toxic bottom paints

Contain Trash

• Buy products without plastic (deadly to fish & birds) or excessive packaging 
• Purchase refreshments in recyclable containers
• Pack food in reusable containers
• Do not toss (including cigarette butts) or let anything get blown overboard.  Immediately retrieve any items that accidently endup in water using them as an opportunity to practice “person-overboard” drills.

Recycle

• Recycle cans, glass, plastic, newspaper, antifreeze, oil & lead batteries (For locations call 1-800-4-RECYCLE or visit Maryland Recycling
• Deposit used or unwanted monofilament fishing line into appropriately marked recycling bins at boat ramp, marinas or tackle shops
• Recycle Watercraft & RV Shrink Wrap (some potential re-cycling options)

Bilge Oil Management

• Place oil absorbent pad under engines & keep oil absorbent sheets or bioremediation log near bilge pumps
• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing / leaks & regularly check for damage (be sure hoses alcohol / ethanol resistant)
• Maintain engine - keep well tuned & fix leaking seals, gaskets or hoses
• Never discharge bilge water with sheen - it is illegal & stiff fines can be imposed!

Oil Absorbent Sheet / Pad / Log Management

• Check oil absorbent materials regularly & replace or clean as needed
• If saturated with gas, allow to air dry.  Reuse.
• If saturated with diesel or oil, double bag in plastic - one bag sealed inside another.  Dispose in regular trash.
• Do not seal bioremediation materials in plastic bags - microbes need oxygen to function.  Dispose in regular trash.

Fish Waste Management

• Process your catch of the day only at "fish cleaning stations" typically located on docks or at marinas
• Do not let fish waste get into local waters (use as chum, bait or appropriately discard in trash)

Protect Sensitive Habitat

• Do not disturb wildlife
• Proceed slowly in shallow areas
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
• Watch wake  --  it can cause shoreline erosion & disturb wildlife plus you are responsible for any damage it causes.

Clean Gently

• Wash boat frequently with a sponge & plain water
• Conserve water -- use spray nozzle on hose
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable & non-toxic cleaners (use detergents sparingly)
• Wax boat regularly -- a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained
• Clean wood with mild soap powder & nylon brush -- not harsh chemical cleaners

Fuel Management

• Check fuel level before heading out (follow 1/3 rule ==> 1/3 out, 1/3 return & 1/3 reserve for emergencies)
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from fuel fill & overflow vent
• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore (spills less likely to occur & easier to clean up)
• Conserve fuel by operating at maximum of two-thirds (2/3) throttle (saves money & helps environment)
• Add fuel conditioner (stabilizer) to tank if engine used infrequently
• Never top-up tanks (fuel expands as it warms, fill only to 90% on return or at night)