Alaska Safe Boating Course

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CHAPTER 4: The Marine Environment

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

4.1.1 SUBMERSED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

Submersed aquatic vegetation (or SAV) consists of underwater plants often found in shallow areas (usually less than 6 feet deep). They are important habitat for fish and shellfish, and are a food source for several waterfowl species. Scientific studies have shown that SAV beds can be scarred by boat propellers or by larger craft if they run a ground. When operating your boat in shallow areas, be careful to avoid damaging SAV. Do not operate a personal watercraft in such areas.

4.1.2 AQUATIC NUISSANCE SPECIES

Non-native aquatic species (plants, fish and animals) are invading Alaska's waters. These pests can increase dramatically under the right conditions, displacing native species, clogging waterways, and impacting navigation and recreation. Once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. Zebra Mussels are nuisance species that can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers, intakes or attached to hulls.

YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD OF NON-NATIVE SPECIES FROM ONE BODY OF WATER TO ANOTHER.

Inspect your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before you leave any body of water.
Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another.
Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. Dispose of the plant fragments on land, in a garbage receptacle.
Drain water from your motor, live wells and bilge.
Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water
Report any new infestation of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

TO STOP THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC SPECIES, IT IS BEST TO CLEAN YOUR BOAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE BODY OF WATER.

4.1.3 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Be cautious and use spill prevention pads when refueling your vessel in or near the water. Gas or oil spills can have significant negative effects on the environment. Respect the wildlife and never use your vessel in a manner to harass the local wildlife. Reduce speed to "no wake" speed when approaching shorelines or in narrow channels, thus reducing possible erosion from a larger wake.

4.1.4 GARBAGE DISPOSAL

The U.S. Coast Guard prohibits dumping of plastic or garbage mixed with plastic in any waters.
DISTANCE FROM SHORE:	IT IS ILLEGAL TO DUMP:
Inside 3 miles and in U.S. lakes, rivers, bays and sounds and anywhere on the Great Lakes, no matter how far from shore	Plastic, dunnage, lining, and packing materials that float, and any garbage except dishwater/ gray water/ fresh fish parts
3 to 12 miles	Plastic, dunnage, lining, and packing materials that float, and any garbage not ground to less than one square inch
12 to 25 miles	Plastic, dunnage, lining, and packing materials that float
Outside 25 miles	Plastic
Note: Dunnage refers to packing materials such as foam or pellets.

Additionally, vessels greater than 26 feet in length and operating in federal waters must display a 4x8-inch SOS (Save our Seas) placard in a conspicuous place that outlines waste disposal regulations. Placards can be purchased from most boat dealers and marinas.

UNTREATED HUMAN WASTE MAY NEVER BE DUMPED IN INLAND WATERS. HELP KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL.

4.1.5 WASTE LIQUIDS

You may dump raw sewage ONLY when you are more than three nautical miles from shore on the ocean. Some states, and Canada, also have regulations for the dumping of gray water (dishwater, shower water, laundry water) and treated waste. Consult your local authorities to find out the local laws.

4.1.6 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANS

Any vessel longer than 40 feet, with a berth and a galley, and certified to operate beyond three nautical miles from shore MUST have a written Waste Management Plan. The Waste Management Plan must be written and implemented by the boat captain. A Waste Management Plan should provide directions to passengers and crew as to the procedure for dealing with the discharge of the following:

Sewage and hazardous waste
Garbage and food waste
Plastics, glass and aluminum
Oily discharges and gasoline spills

4.2 HUMAN WASTE DISPOSAL

4.2.1 MARINE SANITATION DEVICE (MSD)

Boats operating inland with an installed toilet must also have a sanitation system to prevent pollution and discharge of raw sewage. A typical sanitation system consists of an installed toilet, a waste treatment system, and/or a holding tank. Be sure to check your MSD for U.S. Coast Guard Certification.

MSD TYPE	LEGAL FOR	FUNCTIONALITY
Type I	Boats under 65 ft.	Treat waste and discharge overboard
Type II	Any vessel	More powerful treatment of waste discharge
Type III	Any vessel	Collect waste in holding tank for removal at pump-out stations (most common)
Portable toilet	All vessels on the water	Collect waste in holding tank - does not treat waste

Figure 1: Pump-out station sign

Pump-out Signs are displayed at marinas with Pump-Out facilities throughout the United States (Figure 1 is a sample of a Pump-Out Sign). Check with local marinas to locate convenient Pump-Out Stations prior to your voyage.

4.2.2 ALASKA MSD REGULATIONS

Alaska does not mandate the use of Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs).

4.3 DISPOSAL OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES

The Refuse Act of 1899 prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing of any refuse matter of any kind into United States waters. Refuse includes Garbage, trash, oil and other liquid pollutants.

Vessels greater than 26 feet and operating in federal waters must display a 5x8–inch placard in a clearly visible place that states the following:

Therefore, boat operators are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of their boat without means for proper disposal. Oil must be kept on board in a receptacle until it can be properly disposed of. If oil is discharged accidentally, call 800-424-8802 to report the accident to the Coast Guard.