Here are a few steps that boaters can follow for clean boating and marine environmental protection:

• Prevent oily discharge: This is the most important step in any green boating program. Prevent fuel or oil from leaking into the water by keeping your engine well tuned. Have oil absorbent pads or pillows in places where drips may occur. While filling the tank, do it slowly and only fill to around 90% of the tank capacity to prevent the fuel from overflowing. Utilize oil change pumps for transferring oil to a spill-proof container.

• Never use soap: In case of fuel or oil spills, do not use soap to clean them. It causes a lot of damage to the environment and is also illegal to dump oily water overboard.

• Use green products: Use green products for bilge cleaning, like Marine S-200 bilge cleaner from Oil Gone Easy. Using green products will help you protect the environment.

• Contain and recycle waste: Don’t throw trash overboard. Also, avoid plastic products or products with plastic packaging; opt for reusable containers instead. Use a hazardous waste collection facility to dispose other harmful waste products, like paint, batteries, or oil filters, and recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper.

• Maintain your vessel: Clean your work area regularly. Use tarps and vacuum sanders to contain all debris. Besides keeping the engine well tuned, repair oil and fuel leaks promptly. By doing so, you will not only minimize pollution, but will also save money on fuel.