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Environmental

Waterski and Wakeboard Canada is dedicated to aiding in the promotion of environmentally responsible boating practices. The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) has put together, with the help of a number of qualified boaters and competitors, a handbook that should be referred to by anyone who owns and operates a motorboat, with or without the intention of participating in a towed water sport.

The following page contains summarized versions of the information contained within the IWWF’s Environmental Handbook.  The Handbook in its entirety can be found HERE

In addition to the Handbook information, you can find information on waterways construction, EcoFlag Events, and contact information for any questions you may have.

Table of Contents

  • Wise Fuelling Practices
    • General Fuelling Tips
    • Before Starting to Refuel a Boat
    • While Refueling
    • After Refueling
    • Filling Portable Fuel Tanks
    • Fueling Personal Water Crafts and Onboard Motors with Built-in Tanks

 

Environmental Best Practices for Water Ski and Wakeboard Clubs

We all have a responsibility to keep the water body in as natural, and clean a state as possible.  While the majority of the evidence finds that boating and water skiing has a minimal impact on aquatic ecosystems, there are also studies that find that boating activity can have a significant impact on certain aquatic environments.

The following are suggested best practice tips to prevent damage to the water body:

  • One of a club/marina's best security blankets is its Codes of Practice. Codes provide members and the public a clear understanding of the club/marina's guidelines, restrictions, and rules of membership for safe, responsible boating. (See IWWF Environmental Handbook for sample Code of Practice).
  • To reduce and eliminate risk and liability a club/marina must be fully aware of all environmental legislation and regulations related in any way to its activities, services and products.
  • It is helpful to put together a list of the most commonly known impacts and start a file on each. This is a great opportunity to seek input from other "stakeholders"/interested parties, such as members, the local cottage association, or conservation group, and invite them to be part of an environmental team
  • One of the best ways to determine if a club/marina could be more energy efficient is to undertake an energy audit. The audit should be carried out by someone with an understanding of the various energy systems of the club/marina, or by an energy consultant.
  • Effective education and communication strategies can be critical to the success of an environmental program. A Communications Committee made up of volunteer members is one way to develop a communications strategy.

 

Wise Boating Practices and Eco-friendly Tips

Boating smart is not only safe but it also helps the environment and all those living near the body of water.  Operating a boat wisely can lead to fuel savings and in turn minimize potential air and water pollution, and it can reduce noise levels. Some eco-friendly tips are listed below.

  • Always try to conserve fuel
  • Limit engine operation at full throttle and minimize engine accelerations
  • Distribute the boat weight evenly and do not overload
  • Adopt practices to keep noise levels to a minimum
  • Plane quickly at take-off, then throttle back to cruising speed immediately
  • Avoid boating and skiing too close to shorelines to minimize erosion and the destruction of vegetation, and to prevent the contamination of the intake valve
  • Avoid, where possible, boating and skiing close to shorelines that may have nesting areas and other wildlife (check your club/marina's Code of Conduct or with operator)
  • Make fewer turns so you can reduce motor load and conserve fuel
  • Eliminate unnecessary idling
  • Avoid shallow waters (less than 2 metres depth) where possible
  • Clean all debris off your boat and trailer when going from one water body to another
  • Always remove water from the compartment bilge and storage areas

 

Boat Maintenance

There are many ways to clean a boat without harming the environment.  One of the best tools at hand is 'elbow-grease' instead of harsh detergents and cleaners.  Another is to make sure to purchase products that are environmentally benign and non-toxic whenever possible

Here are some suggested best practices for cleaning, polishing and painting:

  • Use portable high-pressure power water sprayer whenever possible
  • DO NOT use high-pressure washers on the slip where paint particles can be washed back into the water
  • Use only pure soaps and environmentally-acceptable cleaners for hull washing
  • Use cleaners and polishes that have minimal environmental impact
  • AVOID using bleach, detergents and soaps that contain chlorine, phosphates, inorganic salts and metals
  • substitute water-based cleaners in place of those that are solvent based
  • use environmentally-safe alternatives whenever possible
  • Reduce solvent use by first cleaning area with water, keep containers closed when not in use, reuse used solvents for the first rinse of the spray gun
  • Reduce paint use by adjusting spray nozzle to minimize over spray, and use a gravity spray gun instead of a suction cup gun
  • Change filters in the paint work shop ventilation system regularly as this reduces emissions and improves dust extraction

Hull Maintenance Practices: Always try to keep the hull clean to reduce friction and conserve fuel

  • All exterior hull work done on site by boat owners or outside contractors should have the approval of the management
  • Purchase alternate cleaners and products that do not harm the environment and purchase them at the start of the boating season (see E, Tables 1,2,3)
  • All hull work should be done in the designated area
  • Waste should be segregated and disposed on in accordance with the waste the club/marina's waste management guidelines
  • Minimize waste by opening only enough product needed to complete the task at hand.
  • Always ensure that dust and particles are collected and do not blow away. To achieve this members should be encouraged to:
  • place the boat over a hard non-porous surface such as a concrete pad
  • place tarpaulins beneath the boat if working over a porous surface
  • use a vacuum regularly to collect dust and particles
  • use dustless vacuum sanders
  • always wear personal protective gear
  • AVOID working over water
  • Use abrasive processes or heat guns to strip off old paint wherever possible

 

Wise Fuelling Practices

A simple spill at a re-fueling station in itself is not a serious threat to the environment.  But when added to hundreds of other spills occurring over a season the effects can be detrimental to some marine and land ecosystems.  By adopting some simple and safe practices this unnecessary impact can be prevented.

General Fueling Tips

  • For outboards; carry a spare fuel tank instead of jerry cans or other containers -- this allows you to exchange tanks rather than refilling the tanks while on the water and risking a spill
  • Use a gasoline container that you can handle and pour easily
  • Use a funnel or spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling
  • Fill up your tank before a trip and NOT just before mooring at the dock -- a full tank of gas can expand and overflow in the hot sun
  • Check your boat for any leaks of gasoline or oil - follow Emergency Response Protocol, for cleaning up spills safely
  • Install a fuel/air separator on tank vents where appropriate
  • Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool dry place
  • Always use caution when pumping gasoline or mixing it with oil
  • Follow the manufacturers recommended engine maintenance schedule
  • Be a wise shopper - make a list of alternate cleaners and products, and purchase them at the start of the boating season.

Before Starting to Refuel a Boat

Ensure that emergency absorbent materials are available including lots of rags

  • Do not distract the person filling the tank
  • Ensure that the boat is securely moored to the dock
  • Estimate the amount of fuel to be pumped
  • Locate the air vent and install a special overflow container with suction pads, if available
  • Ensure that there is an absorbent donut in place around the filler on deck. Always have a rag on hand. This rag should be placed in a vented container once used.
  • Switch off all of the boat's electrical circuits
  • Close all ports and deck hatches
  • Turn off engines
  • Ensure that there is no smoking or open flames in the area of the refueling dock
  • Ensure that no persons remain on the boat

While Refueling

  • Use a funnel to prevent spillage if appropriate
  • Do not clip the nozzle handle open but hold it during the refueling operation
  • Do not walk away from the boat
  • Do not overfill. If possible, feel the air vent for increasing pressure as the level nears the top of the tank
  • No 'topping up'. Fuel expands and that the tank may overflow if filled to the brim
  • Keep an eye on the air vent. If there is a distinct increase in the airflow the tank is nearing full and fuelling should be stopped. A 'feel' for a full tank can be quickly developed.

 After Refueling

  • Remove the overflow container from the air vent and, if necessary, pour the contents back into the fuel tank
  • Replace the filler cap and tighten securely
  • Return the fuel nozzle to its holder, turning the nozzle upwards to avoid dripping gas between the boat and the holder
  • Avoid leaving fuel lines loose on the dock
  • Clean up all small spills IMMEDIATELY and place the used absorbent material in a sealed container for proper disposal
  • Politely remind the owner to turn on the blower for five minutes before starting the engine

Filling Portable Fuel Tanks

  • Do not fill a portable tank while it is onboard a boat or in the back of a vehicle. Place the tank on an impermeable pad with catchment and absorbent material ready.
  • Do not fill anything other than approved portable fuel tanks
  • Do not fill portable fuel tanks beyond their stated capacity. Remember that fuel expands in the heat of summer.
  • Ensure that the filler cap is properly secured before the tank is replaced on board.
  • Observe the practices for filling inboard fuel tanks where applicable

Fueling Personal Water Crafts and Outboard Motors with Built-in Tanks

  • Ensure the craft is tied securely before starting to refuel
  • Do not fill the tank onboard a small craft that may rock around. If necessary move the craft to calmer water beside or behind the gas dock.
  • If practical, before refueling, place motor/PWC ashore over an impermeable pad with catchment and absorbent material. Some club/marinas install floating drive-on PWC docks for this purpose
  • Do not overfill the tank. Always leave room for the fuel to expand.
  • Ensure that the filler cap is properly secured before replacing an outboard motor on the boat.
  • Observe the practices for filling inboard fuel tanks where applicable.

 

Shoreline Degradation and Turbidity

Shoreline erosion, degradation of shoreline flora, and turbid water (unclear or sediment-filled) are natural phenomena resulting from wind action and hydrological activities.  They are also directly affected by human, water-based activities such as boating, water skiing, wake boarding and docking.

Compared to all factors, such as weather and other watercrafts, recreational boating activity has been shown to contribute minimally to erosion and turbidity.  However, some studies have shown that if water skiing and boating are practiced too close to shore, and in environmentally sensitive areas, the impact from boat and skier wash can pose a potential for wake induced erosion. 

  • it is strongly recommended that a minimum of 50 meters from shore be maintained whenever possible to minimize these effects.

Turbidity is caused when engine propellers and boat wash stir up bottom sediments in shallow waters and the particulates remain suspended in the water column.   The degree of turbidity is directly proportional to the depth of the water, i.e. the shallower the water the greater the turbidity levels. 

  • A minimum depth of two meters will substantially reduce or eliminate these effects.

 

Noise Pollution

When compared with many other types of human activities, water skiing is not particularly noisy.  The typical, older two-stroke, 68 horsepower engine, operating under normal water skiing conditions produces a range between 60 to 70 dB(A).

In recent years, marine engine manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce the level of noise created by their motors. This move towards quieter technology should help to counter the image that water skiing and boating are excessively noisy.

The British Water Ski Federation provides some useful Standards for Noise:

  • Maximum noise emission for one recreational boat: 75 dB (A) for boat traveling 22 miles per hour at a minimum of 25 metres from shore
  • Maximum noise emission for any boat traveling outside an environmentally sensitive area: 55 dB(A)
  • Maximum noise emission for one boat for water ski racing (other conditions stated in Code): 98 dB(A) with boat traveling at constant maximum design engine speed, 30m from shore.105 dB(A) for international and World Championship IWSF sanctioned events

It is important to remember that noise is a SUBJECTIVE, and SENSITIVE issue -- what is offensive to some may not be so to others.  It is wise to approach all conflicts related to noise disturbance with sensitivity.  Always respect others' right to peaceful enjoyment of their property and common waterway.

A recent trend of concern is the increase in recreational boat stereo systems with large amplifiers. As sound travels much farther on water, skiers, riders, and boaters should make sure to keep the volume low and respect other's privacy when on the water.

 

Consumer Power

As a consumer you have the power to influence and set trends by the choices you make at the cash register.  Collectively, consumers wield an even greater influence over governments and in turn manufacturers.

Eco-Wise Consumer Tips:

  • Do Your Homework. When shopping for a new outboard engine or inboard ski boat ask plenty of questions. Now that the move towards cleaner and quieter engines is underway, innovations will continue to be made to pollution and noise control features.
  • Use leaner fuel mixtures to reduce inefficient burning. This can be done on existing engines without totally redesigning the engine.
  • Use simple direct fuel injection on existing engines. This modification simply means that the fuel is injected into the cylinder after closure of the exhaust port, thereby almost eliminating unburned fuel emissions.
  • Purchase the most advanced two-stroke design such as the direct fuel injection systems.
  • Upgrade the advanced two-stroke design engine with a catalytic converter once this technology is readily available to consumers.
  • Install noise reduction devices, such as mufflers and engine box insulation, wherever possible on old engines. Make sure the operating level falls within your club/marina's Code of Practice for Noise.

 

Waterways Construction

For information regarding construction of slalom courses, please visit review Transport Canada's explanation of the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA): http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-nwpp-faqs-202.htm

The application guide    for construction can be found at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-nwpp-guide-2053.htm

 

EcoFlag

Recommended Ecoflag Event Guidelines

The Global Sports Alliance (GSA) is a coalition of sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts working together for environmental awareness and action.  Flying the GSA's Ecoflag at an event represents the organizer's commitment to "consider the environment" and signifies that the event strives to adhere to the principles of "Ecoplay".  These principles are outlined below along with some ways that they might be incorporated.

 

PROTECT AND ENRICH NATURE

  • Natural areas are diligently protected from event damage.
  • The Ecoflag is prominently displayed to remind participants to "Think environment!"
  • Efforts are made to educate participants and spectators about stewardship.
  • Anti-litter outreach in effect.
  • Event is recognized as a celebration of a clean and healthy environment.
  • Leave areas in better condition than we found them.

REDUCE ENERGY

  • Reduce energy use with energy efficient equipment, lighting, etc.
  • Event is accessible by mass transportation.
  • Encourage carpooling, biking, walking to the event.
  • Use high-efficiency or alternative-fuel support vehicles.
  • Power needs supplied from some renewable sources.

REDUCE MATERIAL CONSUMPTION

  • Provide progressive recycling arrangements.
  • Discourage disposable bottles. Promote reusable sport bottles.
  • Print literature on recycled paper with non-toxic ink.
  • Registration not paper-based.
  • Supplies, gear, etc. made from recycled materials.
  • Renting or borrowing preferred over purchase for items infrequently used.

PROMOTE A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

  • Promote the event's environmental attributes.
  • Event apparel of natural or recycled fabrics.
  • Promote the use of high quality, durable gear.
  • Invest in local environmental charities.
  • Encourage youth involvement.
  • Involve local artists / artisans.
  • Source locally produced foods.

GSA's mission is to mobilize the sports community to lessen our environmental impact and to leave a healthy environment for our future generations.

 

Related Links

  • IWWF Environmental Handbook

http://www.iwsf.com/EnvironmentalHandbook/IWWF%20Env.%20Handbook%20Update%20Sept.15.DOC

  • Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons Marine Environment Brochure

http://www.cps-ecp.ca/pacificmainland/Uploads/-234Environment%20Brochure.pdf

  • Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons- The Marine Environment: A Shared Responsibility

http://www.cps-ecp.ca/pacificmainland/Uploads/-234MarineEnviroDoc%20modified.pdf

  • Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons: The Enviro Boater Guide

http://www.cps-ecp.ca/PublicUploads/Enviro/EnviroBoater.pdf

  • Canadian Safe Boating Council

http://csbc.npts.ca/home_page3.html

  • Discover Boating: Boating Green

http://www.discoverboating.ca/resources/greenboating.aspx

  • Ecoflag

http://www.ecoflag.com/index_e.html

  • Ecologo

http://www.ecologo.org/en/index.asp

  • Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp511-menu-487.htm

 

Contact

If you have any questions related to WSWC and the environment, please contact:

Tim Van Winckle
 tim@waterski-wakeboard.ca
Sport Development Manager/ Gérant pour le développement du sport
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada/Ski nautique et planche Canada
210-223 Colonnade Rd. South
Ottawa, Ontario   K2E 7K3 
Tel: (613) 526-0685; Fax: (613) 526-4380
www.waterski-wakeboard.ca
Creating a wake of success -- Créons une vague de succès