Boaters live for their time on the water and understand just how valuable this resource is. Who likes to see plastic floating on the surface or the sheen of an oil slick marring the views? Seeing the aquatic life and pristine views is priceless. Doing what you can to protect the environment helps to preserve life on this planet, while also making your favorite pastime more enjoyable. Though your OC boat insurance may cover you for accidents on the water, you can do your part in reducing your impact.

How Do You Make a Boat More Eco Friendly?

Many boaters recognize that their choice for recreational enjoyment is damaging the very ecosystem they love, and they want to do their part to keep the air and waterways clean and healthy. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your boat to make it more eco-friendly. Consider the following:

• Maintain your craft: Keeping up with your boat’s routine maintenance is key to lowering your carbon and environmental footprint. When your engine runs optimally, it puts off less pollution into the air and waterways.
• Repair leaks: Each time you prepare for an outing, check your boat for signs of fluid leaks. Oil leaks are particularly bad for ocean life, and the impacts can move up the food chain, affecting human health as well. Make sure you fix any leaks as quickly as possible.
• Stock your boat with eco-friendly supplies: Plastic may seem convenient, but it is creating serious issues for the environment and climate, human health and the economy. Replace single-use plastics on your boat with reusable containers, utensils and serving ware. For a bigger positive impact, you can carry this practice to other areas of your life.
• Skip the detergents: Don’t clean oil and fuel spills with dish soap. It doesn’t absorb these materials. Instead, it causes them to sink to the bed, where they can still do damage. If you have a minor spill, use absorbent pads to clean up.
• Use less toxic bottom paint: The paint on the bottom of your boat can contain heavy metals that slough off into the water. Replace this paint with a slick-film Teflon paint or one containing Econea instead of cuprous oxide.

By taking a few actions to make your boat greener, you contribute to making the world a healthier place to live for everyone.

What Other Steps Can You Take for Green Boating?

In addition to making your boat more eco friendly, there are other things you can do to support the environment while enjoying your time on the water. Make it a point to utilize services at a marina that is dedicated to green practices. There are apps, such as Scorecard, that you can use to check out a harbor’s environmental stats.

Keep up to date on the latest information on boating impacts and support groups that protect aquatic ecosystems. Ensure your OC boat insurance is sufficient to protect you in the event you have an accidental spill that requires significant cleanup.

About Mariners Insurance

Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.