Seafarers Guide to Caring for the Environment

1. Remember proper waste management in voyage planning

2. Don’t discharge garbage into the water except for restricted discharge of ground up food waste beyond 12miles from land

3. Don’t dump oil, fuel, cleaning agents and any other such harmful substances into the water

4. Use shore reception facilities if available, otherwise discharge treated sewage into the water for more than 4 miles from land and raw sewage 12 miles from land

5. Do not use any antifouling paints which contain organotin (TBT) biocides

6. Don’t scrape or hose off old antifoulings except at a proper facility, never allow residues in either dry or liquid form to run or be blown by the wind into the sea

7. If a stroke outboard engine is to be used extensively in continued waters or anchorages use low toxicity oil and promote the use of alkylate petrol

8. Keep a sharp outlook for whales or sea turtles when underway, they may be resting or asleep on or near the surface; take appropriate avoiding action to prevent collision

9. Ensure there is sufficient water depth over underwater features of nature conservation interest such as coral reefs when navigating close to land in confined waters; keel damage may occur with little impact felt on the vessel

10. Ensure that the vessel is equipped with an anchor of adequate size and type together with sufficient cable or chain for the water depth encountered seabed, weather conditions and degree of the shelter to be found

11. Don’t anchor on or moor to features of nature conservation interest, soft corals and small mangrove trees can be easily damaged; use visitors mooring buoys where directed to do so and respect prohibition zones for anchoring unless the vessel is peril

12. Don’t allow children, dogs or cats to run to run loose at sites of nature conservation interest and sensitivity

13. Beware of potential environmental damage (e.g., Bushfires, disorientation of sea turtles) when lighting fires or having a bar-b-que on the beach

14. Come ashore at designated places where possible, such as jetties, slipways, banksides or other places which are specifically intended for the purpose; get a Pilot Book or an environmental Pilot which indicates where these are to be found

15. Source current information about the wildlife and nature conservation requirements of the places you intended to visit from customs and immigration services, marinas and tourism information offices

16. Co-operate with local communities and respect their culture

17. Have a most enjoyable stay!