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Marina Program Manual

Program Manual Introduction


For Marinas and Yacht Clubs

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OR BMPs are: All activities and devices that help prevent or reduce water pollution. Pollution may be carried to the water by storm drains, seeping through the ground, by falling from the air, or by direct spills or dumping. Some BMP examples would be: Good Boat-Keeping Practices, Education, Signs, Notices, Marina Rules and Regulations, Waste Receptacles, Spill Prevention and Rapid Clean-Up plans, exchanged used oil absorbents to name a few.

This Clean Marine Program is an excellent guide to BMPs that can be used throughout Marinas and Yacht Clubs to keep boating waters clean and healthy.

Clean Marine Review:

Marina or yacht club reviews will be conducted by an experienced impartial industry review team comprised of a cross section of professionals in the marina industry and related activities. These review members must have experience in past reviews. They must have demonstrated a fairness and consistency of understanding in the scoring process. The goal of all teams is to provide uniformity in all reviews. It is important to verify that all items exist in accordance to the answers on the score sheets. At least 1 reviewer must be from a certified clean marina or yacht club, and must have experience in the mentoring and review process.

- Points required by regulation are in red. 100% of the points are required for designation.

- To see how your score is calculated, refer to the "final score" on Page 15 of the Score Sheet.

- The inspection fee must be paid for each review whether you pass or fail. The cost of a new (original) certification is $750. Each subsequent review every 5 years is $500.

- A flag, burgee, and window decals with the Clean Marine Program logo will be mailed to each marina or yacht club that becomes designated as a Clean Marine facility, after each successful review.

- A certificate of Best Management Practices will also be awarded to each designated clean marina or yacht club.

- The Clean Marine logo(s) will be available to be used by any Clean Marine designated facility for marketing or other materials.

To schedule a review contact:
shipshape@cleanmarine.org

Review Team:

Reviewers are trained to award points only if earned. There is no awarding of partial credit of points in this process. This rule exists to encourage total implementation of each BMP. While there may be few marinas and yacht clubs receiving 100%, or perfect scores, the program is designed to encourage future improvements along with a culture that rewards future improvements. Currently our Clean Marine program requires a minimum of 75% to achieve certification. It is the highest percent requirement of any program within the United States.

Mentoring:

When a marina or yacht club is interested to become certified, they contact the Clean Marine administrator at shipshape@cleanmarin.org where someone with past experience will be assigned to mentor them through the process of getting ready for review. The mentoring process has proven to be very successful, especially for new certifications as well as in preparation after a 5 year period has passed to recertify. Not all reviews have resulted in certification. Some simply were not prepared and are mentored further until they make it. The Clean Marine Program and the administrators will not allow for anyone to gain certification without a consistent review. In addition team members are trained to point out areas for future improvements. Please contact us for a Mentor or Reviewer in your region.

Recertification:

The certification process is for a period of 5 years. Near the end of this period a copy of the original score sheets along with other helpful documents for preparation are sent to the marina or yacht club. A review date is determined and one review team member will complete the review. A grace period of 90 days will be given at the end of the 5 year certification date to obtain recertification. If the marina or yacht club does not gain recertification during that time then they must start all over again from the beginning to become certified again. Emphasis is made for the marina or yacht club to improve its original score while implementing as many new BMPs that have been added since their first certification. The recertification process so far has shown that the vast majority of reviews have used the past 5 years to steadily improve their scores by implementing additional BMPs.

Procedures to follow for certification and re-certification:

1. Go on line to www.cleanmarine.org. Read the manual and then print out a copy of the score sheets with references, outside check list, and bioswale documents.

2. Immediately score your facility to determine the areas that need improvement. Keep this score sheet and outside check list and turn them in at the time of your actual certification. This information is vital to track the progress and improvements made during the mentoring period.

3. Contact Clean Marine by email to shipshape@cleanmarine.com that you are requesting a mentor to help you through the process.

4. Once you are ready for certification email shipshape@cleanmarine.org to request a date to be assigned. The coordinator will organize 2 reviewers for a first review. Only one reviewer is necessary for subsequent reviews every 5 years.

5. It has become tradition that the facility being reviewed will provide lunch for the review team.

6. The CMP will send you an invoice for the cost of the review whether you pass or not. You must score a minimum of 75% in order to become certified.

7. Once payment is received your flag, burgee, decals and certificate will be mailed to you

8, After the review process, keep a running list of Clean Marine improvements made to your facility during the next 5 years. This will give you time to improve your score for the re-certification, which is mandatory every 5 years.

9. Pledge to volunteer to work with others as a mentor to help them get ready for their reviews. The mentoring process is easy and fun, and it gives you a chance to observe other facilities and brainstorm, which benefits both marinas.

10. Every 5 years you will be sent a copy of your last original score sheet. This score sheet will help you prepare for your re-certification. During preparation, be sure to fill out the comment section for each Best Management Practice showing where that specific requirement can be found in your paperwork. (Example): Under comments, write the document and page number it can be found. This is very helpful and speeds up the review process.

11. The Clean Marine administrator will assign a single reviewer to do the re-certification on a date that works both of you. Recertification uses the latest scoresheets as obtained from the website.

Additional Environmental Subjects

Boater Education:

Boater Education is the most important and successful part of the Clean Marine program. Getting educational materials into the hands of the boaters is what the review team focuses on. Making the materials available through new boater bags which contain these educational materials has proven most successful. Posting information on bulletin boards, writing best management practice tips in newsletters and flyers as well as conducting seminars have shown positive results. The most successful part of the education of marina and yacht club tenants is the enforcement of the marina or yacht club rules and regulations which insures that BMPs are being followed.

Education to the General Public:

All of the educational information contained in the Clean Marine Program is available to the general public through the program's website: cleanmarine.org.

Score Sheets:

The score sheets used by Clean Marine.org are intended to be living documents. As the program evolves and as regulations change, the methods used to evaluate a marina's or yacht club's performance will need to be revised.

Those elements of marina or yacht club operations that are mandatory under Federal, State, City or Port regulations will be scored under the expectation that one hundred percent compliance is required. Other elements of marina operations will be scored with the expectation that seventy-five percent compliance is expected. The target of 75% is derived because various components of each of the scoring elements will not be applicable to every marina. Thus, marinas will not be able to score 100% on Additional elements in some areas.

If a certain BMP or function is not applicable to a particular marina or yacht club then you score it N/A (not applicable), you then subtract the point amount assigned to that BMP from the total Additional points at the bottom of the score card. Then divide the actual score by the possible Additional point total (less the NAs) to derive your percentage score.

The target rate of seventy-five percent was chosen based upon similar programs that are operational around the United States. As the program matures, this target may be revised upward so that it conforms to actual results observed after marina or yacht club reviews are completed.

Because the score sheets are living documents they must be retained before and after a Marina or yacht club's designation to serve as a record of the efforts to achieve designation and to keep that designation current. Good faith effort is demonstrated by active and continual progress in achieving the criteria of the Clean Marine Program.

Emergencies


A number of situations may occur in a marina or yacht club that requires immediate response. Calling 911 may be appropriate in some instances, but additional staff response is also called for in nearly every emergency situation. Without pre-planning, important steps can be overlooked and without a quick reference guide, the best of intentions may not produce the best actions for solving the occasional, but intense problem.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices

Have a current and updated map of important shut off valves.

Keep a list of up-to-date Emergency Phone Numbers.

Ongoing Staff Training - Acquaint all employees with the contents of the emergency procedures and responsibilities for each situation as designed by the EAP.

Boater Best Management Practices

Keep a serviced fire extinguisher available.

Ensure engines and fluids are cooled before working to avoid burns.

Keep work area clear of oil and debris.

Provide continuous ventilation.

Score Sheet - Page 1: Emergencies

Petroleum Containment


Fuel can be easily spilled into surface waters from the fuel tank air vent while fueling a boat, and oil can be easily discharged during bilge pumping. Gasoline spills can be a safety problem because of gasoline's flammability. Hydrocarbons are dangerous to aquatic plants and animals both at and below the water surface.

It is, therefore, necessary to minimize the amount of fuel and oil from boat bilges and fuel tank air vents entering marina and surface waters.

Vessels 26 feet and longer are required to display a U.S. Coast Guard oily waste discharge placard. Clean Water Act, Section 311 10.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Promote the installation and use of fuel/air separators on air vents or tank stems of inboard fuel tanks to reduce the amount of fuel spilled into surface waters during fueling.

2. Encourage all marinas and yacht clubs to disallow the fueling of vessels on the premises except at approved fuel stations.

3. Initiate an absorbent pad exchange program in which slip holders can exchange used pads for new ones.

4. Insert a clause in the leasing agreements requesting boaters use oil-absorbing materials in their bilges.

5. Prohibit the use of detergents and emulsifiers on fuel spills.

6. Provide a collection site for used oily absorbents, used oil, oil filters (and any other petroleum products) when applicable.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Fill fuel containers on land to reduce the chance of fuel spills into the water.

2. Avoid overfilling fuel tanks by leaving the tank 5 to 10% empty or use a catch device for the overfill discharge from fuel tank.

3. Perform all major engine maintenance away from surface water. Any maintenance work on engine must be done in compliance with rules and regulations governing the marina.

4. Avoid fueling boats from portable fuel containers while in the marina.

5. Use petroleum absorption pads while fueling to catch splash back and the last drops when the nozzle is transferred back from the boat to the fuel dock.

6. Keep engines properly maintained for efficient fuel consumption, clean exhaust, and fuel economy. Follow all manufacturer's specifications.

7. Routinely check for engine fuel leaks and use a drip pan or absorbent pads under engines.

8. Do not pump any bilge water that is oily or has a sheen on it. Use materials that either capture or digest oil in bilges. Examine these materials frequently and replace as necessary.

9. Exchange used oil absorption pads if possible, or dispose of them in accordance with petroleum disposal guidelines.

10. Report oil and fuel spills to the marina office and the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center 800.424.8802 and Office of Emergency Services in your jurisdiction immediately.

Score Sheet - Page 2: Petroleum Containment

Topside Boat Maintenance and Cleaning


Use of solvents, paints and varnishes for in-slip boat maintenance can contribute to pollution entering the water. The best way to protect the water is to perform only small maintenance jobs in the slip. Use of a variety of boat cleaners, such as detergents, teak cleaners and fiberglass polishers can also contribute to pollution and nutrients entering the water and should be discouraged and minimized.

Encourage marinas and yacht clubs that have maintenance areas, to educate the boaters of these locations, to prevent wash off going back into the facilities waters and to make sure that sanding is done in an area that traps any material from entering the water as well.

If the facility has a designated maintenance area, display signs with rules to prevent wash off of contaminants into marina waters, including the requirement to clean up any debris on a daily basis.

Ensure that paint drippings, sanding and paint chips are collected immediately and disposed of in a manner consistent with state policy.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Ask your marina or yacht club manager what types of maintenance projects are allowed in the slip.

2. Tackle boat projects in the water only if they involve less than 25% of the surface above water line.

3. Ask marina manager or yacht club about rules for do-it-yourself work, contractors or vendors working in the marina

4. Drape vessel with tarps to catch wastes from projects.

5. Cover the water between boat and dock with visqueen or tarps.

6. Use a dust-containment bag with sanding equipment.

7. Sweep or vacuum all residual sanding dust and put in the trash. If varnish dust is not a hazardous waste it can be disposed of in facility trash receptacle. If the residual sanding dust is hazardous, then it must be disposed of in the proper manner such as in a Hazardous Waste Disposal Site.

8. Plug scuppers to contain dust and debris.

9. Ventilate your space to prevent the accumulation of flammable or noxious fumes.

10. Use eye protection and a respirator when there is the possibility that dust and debris could damage eyes or lungs.

11. Remove oil, debris and clutter from your immediate work area.

12. Keep oil absorbents handy.

13. Do not sand with steel wool.

14. Do not sand in a heavy breeze.

15. Mix all solvents, paints and varnishes over a tarp or on land.

16. Avoid spills in the water of all solvents, paints and varnishes. Keep all open containers of liquids (e.g. paints, solvents, fuel) that could spill to the water, scuppers or storm drains in secondary containment. Unattended open containers of these types of liquids should be prohibited.

17. Use or ask your topside maintenance service to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Carefully read labels to ensure the products are phosphate free and non toxic. Use products in moderation, since more of the cleaner product does not automatically mean your topside is cleaner.

18. Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia, lye, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine or petroleum distillates.

19. Consider allowing teak to fade to gray and rinse it occasionally with salt water to remove the dirt; or, for the look of freshly sanded teak, scrub teak decks with salt water and let the sun bleach them.

20. Use teak cleaners sparingly and avoid spilling them or fiberglass polishers in the water.

Score Sheet - Page 3: Topside Boat Maintenance and Cleaning

Boat Hull Cleaning


Consideration should be given to using bottom paints that do not pollute our environment. Frequent underwater hull cleaning can enhance vessel performance and protect it from the elements such as marine growth and corrosion. Underwater hull cleaning should be guided by BMPs that will clean a vessel in such a way as to protect and preserve the bottom while causing minimal impact to the environment.

Most vessel bottom paints contain copper (CU). Copper will leach into the water. This leaching may be toxic to marine organisms. Aggressive hull cleaning methods may cause increased copper released into facility's waters. Make sure your hull cleaner follows the label and recommendations provided by the paint manufacturers.
Boats can carry invasive species on the hull, in bilges, bait tanks and seawater systems. Aquatic species such as, Quagga and Zebra Mussels can harm native marine life, damage structures and shorelines, clog water lines and are very hard to control. We encourage marinas and yacht clubs to educate their staff to the crucial role in preventing and detecting aquatic invasive species. They also need to educate boaters on why it is important through the use of simple steps to avoid spreading these aquatic invaders. The key messages are: Inspect, Remove, Dispose and Report any Invasive Species.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices

1. Recommend the use of nontoxic and legal hull paints to reduce the possibility of contamination when performing hull cleaning.

2. Properly functioning anti-fouling paint will repel all hard growth and requires only occasional light wiping with a soft cloth to remove slime. Aggressive cleaning of anti-fouling paint using tools such as scrubbing pads and powered rotary brushes will shorten the effective life of the paint significantly, and should never be used. Aggressive cleaning of this nature increases the amount of copper entering the water column and sediment. The boat should be hauled and recoated with fresh anti-fouling paint before this style of cleaning is ever required.

3. Remember:

NO Scrapers (metal/plastic/wood).

NO Abrasives (sandpaper/cleanser/soft scrub).

NO Scotchbrite®/3M® pads.

NO Powered Rotary Brushes.

USE soft cloth or fleece mitt only.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Ensure hull paint is properly applied and maintained to protect the hull from fouling organisms and thus improve your boat's performance.

2. Wait 90 days after applying new bottom paint before underwater cleaning.

3. Schedule regular hull cleaning and maintenance to reduce the build-up of hard marine growth and eliminate the need for hard scrubbing.

4. Regularly scheduled gentle cleaning will also increase the effectiveness of the antifouling hull paint and extend its useful life.

5. Use, or ask your Hull Cleaning/Maintenance Service to use, Underwater Hull Cleaners Best Management Practices. Ask your service to monitor the work of the divers that they hire or subcontract to ensure they are using BMPs.

6. Repair paint bonding problems at haul out to avoid further chipping and flaking of paint in the water.

7. Use, or ask your diver to use, non-abrasive scrubbing agents, soft sponges or pieces of carpet to reduce the sloughing of paint and debris.

8. Boaters are encouraged to use boat hull cleaning companies and individuals that practice environmentally friendly methods.

9. Encourage divers to use different types of pads when necessary to properly maintain a vessel's bottom paint (example: In many cases surfaces close to the waterline are more susceptible to higher growth rates therefore you need to use different pads in order to properly remove marine growth and corrosion. Likewise, a softer pad can be used for the rest of the vessel to maximize hull performance and optimize the lifespan of the paint.)

10. Boater should notify hull cleaner as to what type of bottom paint was used and when the bottom was last painted.

11. Invasive Species

12. Boats can carry invasive species on the hull, in bilges, bait tanks and seawater systems. Aquatic species such as, Quagga and Zebra Mussels can harm native marine life, damage structures and shorelines, clog water lines and are very hard to control. We encourage marinas and yacht clubs to educate their staff to the crucial role in preventing and detecting aquatic invasive species. They also need to educate boaters on why it is important through the use of simple steps to avoid spreading these aquatic invaders. They key messages are; Inspect, Remove, Dispose and Report any Invasive Species.

13. To prevent the spread of Quagga and Zebra Mussels, download and provide copies of the aquatic invasive species best management practices for boaters to your staff and tenants. The website is: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel. For additional information and regional contacts, go to http://ucanr.org/sites/coast/Quagga_Mussel_Invasion/.

Score Sheet - Page 4: Underwater Boat Hull Cleaning

Marina and Yacht Club Operations


Materials, supplies, vehicles and equipment stored outdoors and exposed to rain and runoff can result in storm water pollution. It is not always feasible to store everything indoors or under cover, so marinas and residents must take steps to reduce contaminants from these type of storages to the maximum extent practicable.

Steps to accomplish this include keeping these items in designated areas that are, where feasible, paved to allow for periodic sweeping, sloped or bermed to limit run-off and located away from water bodies and/or storm drains.


Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Bicycles, motor scooters or motorbikes are not permitted to be ridden or stored except in designated areas.

2. Unattended open containers of paints and other maintenance supplies are not permitted on the docks. Keep all open containers on the boat or on land in a secondary containment. While the material is in use, the open container should be kept in a secondary containment.

3. All materials used in the day to day operations must be stored indoors or in covered containers to reduce the possibility of pollution.

4. Secure watertight containers must be used when storing materials and wastes outside.

5. Household hazardous materials must be stored in leak proof closed and labeled containers in a covered area and maintenance and inspection of all storage containers and storage areas need to be conducted on a routine basis.

6. All spills must be cleaned up immediately.

7. Use absorbent materials to clean up liquid spills. Do not rinse spill into the water.

8. Dry sweeping techniques or vacuuming must be used for the clean up of spills.

9. Make storage space available away from the docks for rent or use by boaters.

10. Marinas and yacht clubs are encouraged to berm all trash and recycling areas to prevent leaks from entering the bay.

11. Marinas and yacht clubs are encouraged to provide electricity to boaters through sub-meters

12. Marina and yacht club employees and boaters are encouraged to conduct/attend emergency spill response procedures training.

13. Encourage boaters to use Household Hazardous Waste facilities and provide locations and times of temporary collection events.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Boaters must properly manage and dispose of all wastes and materials.

2. Boaters should not be allowed to have open fires and barbecues on the docks, unless approved by the marina and yacht club manager.

Score Sheet - Page 5: Marina and Yacht Club Operations

Marina and Yacht Club Debris


Proper waste handling and disposal are an integral part of the good housekeeping practices that must be implemented at all marinas. Waste should be managed in designated areas that are covered where feasible and/or designed to limit run-on and runoff and/or be located away from the storm water conveyance system. Wastes should also be stored in covered, leak-proof containers.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Require immediate cleanup of spills of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers and soils.

2. All marinas and yacht clubs that have potted plants must place them in secondary containment trays.

3. Require boaters to use trays for all potted plants set on the docks to prevent fertilizer from entering the waterways.

4. Recommend mixing fertilizers and potting of plants on land, not on the dock.

5. Ensure pets are not permitted to run free within the marina.

6. Ensure pet owners clean up after their pets in the marina.

7. All pet waste will be properly disposed of in toilet or trash.

8. Marinas and yacht clubs will be encouraged to provide disposal bags for pet owners to use when disposing of pet waste in the dumpsters.

9. Encourage dry methods of cleaning parking areas, especially where deposits have accumulated, with sand or other acceptable material, and then swept up.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Boaters can prevent overboard disposal by returning all refuge to shore for disposal.

2. Inform boaters that hazardous waste cannot be deposited in garbage cans.

3. Encourage the use of recyclable materials and use of non-Styrofoam, non toxic, biodegradable or reusable cups, plates, silverware to minimize the amount of debris that ends up in waterways.

4. Boaters should remember what is put into the water should be something they would not mind swimming with.

Boat Sewage Discharge


Use of marine sanitation holding tanks in an improper manner can result in sewage entering the water. Both improperly installed marine sanitation devices and improper disposal practices (pumping overboard within three nautical miles of the nearest land) are illegal. Sewage from boats is more concentrated than that from either combined sewer overflows or sewage treatment plants because marine sanitation systems use little water for flushing.

Improper boat discharges can result in beach closures, shellfish contamination, loss of recreational opportunities and negative aesthetic qualities for all citizens who enjoy our waterways and shorelines.

Any vessel equipped with a Type III marine sanitation device is required to use pump out stations.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. If a marina or yacht club operates a pump out facility, install adequate signs to identify the station, its location and hours of operation.

2. Provide the service at convenient times and at a reasonable cost.

3. Make the pump out station user friendly by posting Department of Boating and Waterways signs detailing locations of pumpouts and contact phone numbers of pumpout operators.

4. Develop and adhere to a regular inspection and maintenance schedule for the pump out station.

5. Provide educational information about the pump out station to boaters.

6. Enforce existing local, state and federal regulations pertaining to Marine Sanitation Devices and the illegal discharge of boat sewage into the marina waterways.

7. Post and make available to boaters a list of local pump out locations.

8. Have clean open and functioning restrooms available to boaters 24 hours per day and to the public during business hours when applicable.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Boater should report any illegal discharge of boat sewage to the marina or yacht club office, US Coast Guard National Response center 800.424.8802 or appropriate agency.

2. Marine holding tanks should always be used properly.

3. Boaters should use environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies in order to help alleviate gray water concerns.

4. Boaters should never pump out any holding tank inside the three nautical mile limit.

Score Sheet - Page 7: Boat Sewage Discharge

Solid Waste


Solid waste can collect at marinas, yacht clubs and boat ramp sites and enter surface waters if litter is not continuously picked up, if trash receptacles are not provided or conveniently located and/or insufficient attention is given to controlling waste produced during boat operation, cleaning, maintenance and repair activities.

Keeps Trashcans and Dumpsters Covered. (Vintage Marina)

Marinas or yacht clubs that appear clean are more attractive to customers. Substantial clean up costs can be replaced by small initial investments in trash collection and preventive practices. Providing sufficient waste receptacles, separating waste into classes of recyclables and preventing litter are all accepted practices and are part of customer service and environmentally friendly management at marinas and yacht clubs.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Keep litter picked up.

2. Place trash receptacles and dumpsters in convenient locations for boaters and guests in parking lots, on boat launch ramps, fuel docks and restrooms.

3. Provide and use covered dumpsters and trashcans so they do not fill up with rainwater, do not blow away in heavy winds and are less likely to be invaded by scavenging mammals and birds.

4. Provides Recycling for Fishing Line. (City of Santa Barbara)

5. Keep trash enclosures clean and free of debris.

6. Keep cleanup equipment and materials available.

7. Inspect trash storage areas weekly.

8. Dispose of all solid wastes in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

9. Provide convenient facilities for the recycling of appropriate materials, such as glass, aluminum, plastic, newspapers and batteries.

10. Use pamphlets, flyers, newsletters, inserts and/or meetings to convey the importance of any environmental precautions that the marina has instituted.

Use signs to inform boaters about locations of equipment, disposal containers, cleaning practices, etc. Special instructions should be clearly noted.

11. Provide recycling containers for shrink wrap and monofilament fishing line where needed.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Do not dump plastic or any other trash into the water because it is illegal. Boaters can prevent overboard disposal by returning [all refuse] to shore for disposal.

2. Use the dumpsters, trash receptacles and other approved containers to dispose of garbage and other waste. Encourage use of non-styrofoam, non-toxic, biodegradable or reusable cups, plates, silverware, etc. to minimize amount of debris that ends up in waterways.

3. When conducting in water hull or bottom cleaning, bring or ask your diver to bring the old zinc anodes to the designated location in the marina or take it with them for proper disposal or recycling.

4. In accordance with the International Treaty to Prevent Pollution from Ships, MARPOL requires all boats 26 feet and over in length to display in a CMP Manual_revised 2_28_12.docx 13 prominent place where the crew and passengers can read it, an information placard on the subject of plastics prohibitions. See http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Pollute/MarinePollution.pdf for the placard and more information.

Score Sheet - Page 8: Solid Waste

Liquid Waste


Dirty oil can be recycled, cleaned and used again. Recycled used motor oil can reduce the threat of its entrance into storm drains and pollution of groundwater and water bodies and/or it being poured onto the ground or tossed into trash receptacles and polluting the soil. Adequate storage and disposal facilities are important if the used oil and variety of other liquid materials boater use and store on their vessels are to be kept out of the environment.

Used Motor oil is a hazardous waste and may never be put in the trash, poured down the drain or dumped on the ground. You may have heard it before; a single quart of motor oil spilled in the water can create an oil slick two acres in size, killing marine organisms and fouling docks, lines and watercraft. Proper management/disposal of used oil is essential to keeping marina grounds and waters clean. Your maintenance of an adequate collection and storage facility is key to your boater's successful participation in used oil and other waste collection efforts. In addition to the immediate benefits of cleaner grounds, collection of used oil benefits us by reducing our need for virgin oil, because recyclers can re-refine oil to be used again as oil and other lubrication products, or clean it and blend it into fuel oil.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Maintain an oil spill response plan and have spill containment/cleanup supplies readily accessible.

2. Report spills to both the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center 800.424.8802 and Office of Emergency Services in your jurisdiction immediately. Ensure spill response equipment and materials are easily accessible to boaters as well as marina and yacht club staff.

3. Train marina or yacht club employees in oil spill response and spill reporting.

4. Provide a waste oil collection site for marina or yacht club boaters when practicable.

5. Maintain a log of the quantities and sources for all waste oil collected.

6. Locate the disposal area away from flood areas and fire hazards.

7. Provide clearly labeled, separate containers for waste oils and liquid waste that are collected at the site.

8. Accept used oil filters at the waste oil collection site.

9. Drain the used oil filters before disposal by placing the filter in a funnel.

10. Use signage to direct boaters on the proper handling and collection of motor oil.

11. Encourage boaters to use local Household Hazardous Waste collection sites for all hazardous waste and provide contact information.

12. Store minimal quantities of hazardous materials and make sure the materials are rotated according to the first-in/first-out principle.

13. Use alternative environmentally safe liquid materials when possible.

14. Insert language into slip lease agreements or yacht club rules requiring the proper disposal of liquid waste.

15. Maintain a liquid waste spill plan and update as necessary.

16. Keep adequate spill response equipment and materials in strategic locations.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Deposit of used oil and oil filters in an approved collection station on shore.

2. Use oil-absorbent pads to soak up oily bilge water and dispose at an approved collection station.

3. Check for traces of oil before pumping out the bilge.

4. Educate and encourage boaters to minimize/prevent impacts from oil changes by using a closed system, oil absorbents to capture oil drips, and drip pans for collection.

5. Clean bilges and remove loose containers of paint and oil based products before hauling vessel

6. Use viable alternatives to toxic materials such as antifreeze, coolants, solvents, varnishes, paint, cleaners and pesticides. Always follow the manufacturer's directions.

7. Report spills to both the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center (800).424.8802 and Department of Fish and Game in your jurisdiction or (800) 852-7550 Office of Emergency Services immediately. Ensure spill response equipment and materials are easily accessible to boaters as well as marina and yacht club staff. Make the plan accessible and update as necessary.

Score Sheet - Page 9: Liquid Waste

Fish Waste


The amount of fish waste disposed into a small enclosed basin such as a marina or yacht club can exceed that which exists naturally in the water at any one time. In sufficient quantities where water circulation is restricted, the decomposition of this fish waste can deplete the water of dissolved oxygen, leading to water quality degradation and fish kills. It is therefore necessary to promote sound fish waste management through a combination of fish-cleaning restrictions, public education and proper disposal of fish waste.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Educate boaters regarding the importance of proper fish cleaning practices.

2. Establish fish cleaning stations with covered trash receptacles.

3. Provide signage at fish cleaning stations that includes any instructions for fish cleaning and proper disposal of fish waste.

4. Encourage boaters to dispose of unwanted bait offshore and to eviscerate (gut) fish and dispose of contents at sea not in marina or yacht club basin.

Boater Best Management Practices:

1. Clean fish only at fish cleaning stations that do not discharge into the marina or yacht club waters.

2. Clean fish using proper fish cleaning practices.

3. Dispose of unwanted bait in cleaning stations or offshore, not in marina or yacht club basin.

4. Non-native live baits should be double bagged and disposed of in covered trash cans.

5. Eviscerate (gut) fish and dispose of contents at sea not in marina or yacht club basin. If fish are gutted on land, double bag the fish waste and properly dispose the bag in a covered trash can.

Score Sheet - Page 10: Fish Waste


Hazardous Materials


Improper handling of hazardous materials can cause harm to human health and the environment and can result in serious penalties and expensive clean-up costs if contaminations occur.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Develop and maintain a Hazardous Materials Business Plan.

2. Maintain waste disposal records for a minimum of three years.

3. Store, manage and dispose of hazardous materials and waste legally and inform boaters as to proper disposal of hazardous waste.

4. Store hazardous materials off the ground and covered with an impervious surface (e.g. roof, tarp, etc.).

5. Keep hazardous material containers and drums in good condition and closed securely.

6. Clean up and dispose of spills and leaks promptly and properly.

7. Provide spill control material and empty containers for emergency clean up in accessible locations.

8. Contract with an approved hazardous materials hauler for periodic disposal.

9. Clearly label and segregate material to ensure that only materials that are hazardous are handled as such.

10. Use state approved funnels that prevent the loss of volatile chemicals to ensure that containers and tanks for hazardous materials are properly closed after materials are added.

11. Clearly label containers and tanks in order to avoid mixing incompatible materials.

12. Designate an emergency coordinator and train personnel who handle hazardous materials in proper management procedures and emergency response in case of a fire or spill.

13. Post the phone numbers of the emergency coordinator, the local fire department and the nearest household hazardous waste site. Call 800 CLEAN UP (800.253.2687) for locations nearest you.

14. Install hazardous waste collection facilities where and when applicable.

15. Follow all emergency procedures to address spills and fires.

Boater Best Management Practices:

Hazardous wastes generated by recreational boaters are considered household hazardous waste. Dispose of household hazardous waste in properly marked containers if provided by the marina, yacht club or at the nearest appropriate site.

Score Sheet - Page 11: Hazardous Materials

Storm Water Runoff


Storm water runoff is rainfall that washes over the surface of the land picking up pollutants as it travels. Storm water runoff may collect and transport soil particles, petroleum products, waste, litter and debris to adjacent waterways. These pollutants are generally found to degrade water quality.

While marina and yacht club waters are often contaminated with storm water pollutants from non-marina or yacht club and boating sources (upland sources), these pollutants may also be discharged by the marina or yacht club itself as a result of vehicular traffic equipment operation lawn care and landscaping, and shore-side boat maintenance activities. Toxic materials from paint chips and sanding debris, as well as oil and grease from boat maintenance yards and parking lots wash into marinas and yacht clubs from storm water.

Marina and Yacht Club Best Management Practices:

1. Develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan where applicable.

2. Maintain materials and equipment such as booms and absorbent pads needed for a storm water spill response and ensure they are readily available.

3. Marinas and yacht clubs should annually conduct a storm water pollution prevention training that focuses on employee responsibility for creating, managing and updating the Best Management Practices that prevent storm water pollution. This training should discuss good housekeeping, preventive maintenance, spill prevention and response and material management practices.

4. Report spills that enter or have potential to enter the storm drain system or a water body to your local authorities including the Regional Water Board and the Department of Fish and Game (800-852-7550 OES).

5. Provide signage adjacent to storm drain inlet and any permeable areas to discourage illegal dumping of pollutants.

6. Prohibit vehicle and vessel maintenance in marina or yacht club parking lots.

7. Prohibit vehicle or vessel washing in marina or yacht club parking lots.

8. Provide signs adjacent to parking lots that prohibit littering, dumping and/or vehicle or vessel servicing/cleaning.

9. Develop and implement regular sweeping/cleaning program.

10. Reduce or eliminate landscaping and irrigation runoff into the storm drain or water body. This can be done by providing landscape swales, permeable pavement, buffer strips, rain gardens or other treatment alternatives, to filter pollutant runoff from impervious surfaces such as parking lots and roof tops. Protect existing permeable areas and incorporate permeable pavement where feasible for new and redevelopment projects.

11. Avoid landscaping and/or practices of over watering or over fertilizing or having loose soils that may cause pollutant runoff to enter storm drains or water bodies.

12. Boaters should be encouraged to use the least toxic products.

Score Sheet - Page 12: Storm Water Runoff

Environmental Programs


Dockwalker Program

The Clean Marine Program encourages marinas and yacht Clubs to have their staff become Dockwalkers or participate in a similar program. Dockwalkers are trained in teaching boaters environmentally sound boating habits. Dockwalkers distribute free educational materials (Boater Kits) to boaters and share information about clean boating practices and the location of services that support clean boating efforts. For more information about this program, contact Vivian Matuk by phone: 415.904.6905 or email: vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov.

No Discharge Zones

Some marinas and yacht clubs are located within no discharge zones. However the Clean Marine Program requires that nothing illegal can be released into the waters of our nation be it waste, treated or not. Therefore any release within the 3 mile limit is considered by our program to be illegal.

Score Sheet - Page 13: Environmental Programs

Score Sheets


This following Score Sheets are used in the evaluation of Marinas and Yacht Clubs.

Please feel free to click on the score sheets to view them or to download a printable PDF. Score Sheets for Boatyards will appear here when completed.