WHAT IS THE CLEAN MARINE PROGRAM?

Boating Ontario along with over twenty marine industry professionals and Ontario’s boaters’ and anglers’ associations formed the Clean Marine Partnership to develop a voluntary program of "Environmental Best Practices" for the marine industry that is recognized as the leader in North America. Boating Ontario member marinas have been enrolling in the Clean Marine Program to ensure that their marinas are following these environmentally sound practices and protecting our waterways for all to enjoy.

HOW WILL I RECOGNIZE A CLEAN MARINE MEMBER MARINA?

All of the Clean Marine Program Eco-Rated Marinas proudly fly the Clean Marine environmental flag. This flag is your assurance that the marina has adopted the highest environmental standards for marinas in the world.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CLEAN MARINE PROGRAM MEMBER?

It takes commitment. Each of the Clean Marine Program marinas must pass a comprehensive environmental audit to ensure compliance with the program standards set out in their Clean Marine manual. This manual, developed through the cooperation of Boating Ontario, Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment sets out more than 200 environmental practices that cover all aspects of marine operations from fueling to waste oil, shrinkwrap and paper recycling, energy and water conservation and many more.

Each marina is audited by Greenleaf Environmental Services, a third party firm, who provides the marina with a detailed report on their compliance with the standards of the Clean Marine Program. Results of this audit are converted to a five point Eco-rating system, with a low of one and a high of five. There are now almost 100 marinas and yacht clubs with the highest rating. To give these folks a new plateau to achieve, in 2009 12 additional standards were added to allow for Gold, Diamond and Platinum additions to their rating

Whether awarded the single Green Leaf Anchor rating or the highest rating of five Green Leaf Anchors + Platinum, a marina’s participation and rating demonstrates their commitment to the protection of our waterways and marine life.

HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

You may be just one boater, but collectively we can make a difference. Start by choosing an Eco-Rated Clean Marina for your homeport. When cruising Ontario’s waterways or when searching for services ashore, look for the Clean Marine flag.

Just as our Clean Marine member marinas have committed themselves to following the best environmental practices, you can too. Look for products with Environment Canada’s Environmental Choice logo to use around your boat. Products bearing the symbol with three doves intertwined to form a maple leaf are products that have been produced in a more environmentally responsible manner and their use leaves the least impact on the environment.

For more Clean Boating tips click on the download link on this sight for a copy of the Clean Boater Handbook.