Good Cruising Practices
The OCC is working in partnership with Clean Sailors (https://www.cleansailors.com/) to bring information and advice to OCC Members and other cruisers on the practical steps that we can all take to protect the oceans we sail.
Information will be published in the OCC monthly e-bulletin, quarterly Newsletter and on this website.
Further topics will include:
- Minimising the creation of waste and waste disposal
- ECO-safe anchoring
- Safe and responsible fuelling
- Anti-fouling
- Cleaning agents and detergents
- Grey water/waste water
- Alternatives to fossil fuels for power generation, and efficient engine running
- Reducing fish consumption
- Plastic pollution
- Re-using and repurposing boat parts
- Sustainable approach to OCC events
- Local community activity
- Citizen science projects
There is a wealth of information and advice on the internet, and further information and advice on good practice is available in the free download Green Boating Guide published by Sailors for the Sea.
In addition, OCC Members can subscribe to the Blue Flag for Boat Owner’s Environmental Code of Conduct.
By signing the pledge, you commit to:
- not throwing litter into the sea or along the coast
- not releasing toilet water into fresh waters, coastal waters and sensitive areas
- not releasing poisonous or toxic waste (oil, paint, cleaning agents, etc) into fresh waters and the sea. Waste will be disposed of in appropriate recycling facilities.
- promoting the use of recycling facilities (glass, plastic, paper, batteries, etc)
- using the most environmentally friendly products that are available and work efficiently (cleaning agents, clothing, etc)
- reporting pollution or other violation of environmental regulations to the authorities
- not engaging in forbidden fishing practices and respecting periods when fishing is prohibited
- protecting animals and plants in the sea, including not disturbing birds or marine mammals
- respecting vulnerable nature and protected areas
- avoiding damaging the sea floor (via poor anchoring technique, etc)
- avoiding disturbing fishery or fishing gear
- not using objects made from protected species or from archaeological underwater findings
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