We are pleased to announce the launch of The Green Blue in Scotland, we are sure this will provide an excellent opportunity to push the interests of recreational boating up the political agenda. As the work of AGMACS (Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy) develops, we hope that the Scottish Executive will support and promote The Green Blue as part the ‘voluntary route’ it is advocating.
Funding for The Green Blue in Scotland is provided by The Crown Estate through its Marine Stewardship Fund. Established in 1999, The Marine Stewardship Fund has already distributed over £1 million to a wide range of practical projects around the coast. The fund was established to provide grant-aid to practical projects and programmes which contribute to the development of best practice, and make a significant contribution to the environmental management and stewardship of the marine estate.
The hugely popular How To.... guide has been re-written for the Scottish audience updating the 'useful information' links to direct readers to the relevant organisations and initiatives in Scotland. To request your copy of the guide please email scotland@thegreenblue.org.uk or download the pdf version
Anyone who wishes to get involved, or who can advise on potential sponsorship opportunities should contact Katherine Boor at info@thegreenblue.org.uk or on 023 8060 4227.
It is well known that the disposal of sewage from boats on inland waterways is prohibited by law and navigation authorities require that sea toilets are sealed. However, on small craft (less than 15 passengers) on our coastal waters it is left to the individuals judgement (although do check local regulations or byelaws) and are often not used.
In order to assist and encourage recreational boaters in locating and using pump-out facilities within Scotland, the Green Blue has produced a series of maps covering both inland and coastal areas. These are divided into regions and give both the location and contact details for each provider.
We hope that this information will help you to plan ahead and ensure that you are not ‘caught short’ with regard to emptying your holding tank.
The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 came into force on 1st April 2006 and apply to any kind of container which is being used and which is stored on premises above ground, whether inside or outside a building. These include fixed tanks, intermediate bulk containers, drums (oil drums or similar containers used for storing oil) or mobile browsers.
This 1st April is the deadline for new tanks and will be extended to existing tanks at significant risk (i.e. facilities that are located within 10 metres of any surface water or 50 metres of a borehole or well by 1st April 2008. Make sure that your business complies with these regulations to avoid possible prosecution by reading SEPA's guidance notes at www.sepa.org.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage has launched a public consultation on the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. It aims advise all who watch marine wildlife around Scotland or encounter wildlife during their leisure pursuits to understand how to act responsibly and minimise disturbance.
The code is designed to offer practical guidance and raise awareness to help increase enjoyment of watching marine wildlife, improve chances of seeing wildlife, minimise disturbance and stay within the law.
Not only does it contain a code of conduct for specific boat types, it also provides a detailed guide to best practice arranged by major species groups.
After initial consultation with a range of marine interest groups a draft code is now available to download and any comments relating to the draft are welcome.
Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
Some areas are designated with SAC status because they have environmental features which are particularly important to preserve. If you are visiting or anchoring any of these areas, you might want to take extra precautions to reduce your environmental impact. For example, take extra care where you anchor and take care not to drag, and use only recommended landing areas when going ashore. You can find lots more tips in our How To... Guide
The Scottish Coast has numerous UK Marine Special Areas of Conservation approved by the UK Government. To find out where these are located and more about the special features of the sites browse the UK Marine SAC's interactive map.
If you've broken your mast and are at a loss of how to dispose of it, why not donate it towards a new scheme aimed at Primary and Secondary School pupils?
The Green Flag scheme is designed to raise awareness of of the problems caused by litter in their communities and is aimed at trying to get pupils to dispose of litter responsibly. The scheme awards participating schools Bronze and Silver awards with the top award being the Green Flag. If you should have the misfortune to damage or break your mast and once the insurance company have finished with it, these schools might be able to use it as a flagpole on which they could fly their Green Flag.
For further information or to donate your old mast, please email or phone Gordon Daly on 01324 555 242
Question: What is the legal limit of hydrocarbon in water discharge?
Congratulations to Allan Bowes for correctly saying the legal limit of hydrocarbon in water discharge is 15mg/litre which equates to roughly one drop of oil in 2 litres of water.
Spill kits are useful to keep handy on board to soak up oil in your bilge, or to mop up spills when refueling. Many thanks to PPL Pollution Prevention for donating this prize.
Check what to do if you spill oil and how to store it properly
