Oregon 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 found within Oregon'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 and Quagga 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.

Once on shore, away from the water:

  • 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 sightings of non-native species to 1-866-INVADER or call 1-800-437-2744, 24 hours 7 days a week.

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

Oil Spill

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.

S.O.S. Placard

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.

 
 

4.1.4.1 LITTERING IN OREGON

Littering in Oregon waters is strictly prohibited. Offenders can face stiff penalties for littering, including suspension of the Certificate of Number (Registration) and fines.

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

Waste Management Plan

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

Pump-Out Station Ahead

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.

Pump-Out Station Functionality

4.2.2 OREGON MSD REGULATIONS

The discharge of any sewage from marine toilets is prohibited on Oregon's freshwater lakes, impoundments, and reservoirs that are not accessible by boat from the ocean. Type I and II MSDs can only be discharged in Federal Navigable waterways.

The use of approved types of marine sanitation devices (MSDs) is required on the Columbia, Willamette, and Snake Rivers and on the navigable portions of all coastal rivers. Discharge of untreated sewage is only permitted beyond the three mile ocean limit.

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.

CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY

AFTER READING CHAPTER 4, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Various environmental laws and regulations
  • Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)
  • How to properly dispose of toxic substances

Chapter Quiz

  1. True/False: Scientific studies have shown that that submersed aquatic vegetation beds (or SAV beds) can be scarred by boat propellers or by larger crafts.
  2. Which of the following is a good boating method to help prevent damaging SAV beds?
    1. Operating a boat in shallow areas.
    2. Spilling fuel in or near the water.
    3. Respecting the local wildlife.
    4. Approaching the shoreline at full speed.
  3. Which of the following is the best way to prevent the spread of aquatic species?
    1. Spraying the boat down with a hose once you get home or to the marina.
    2. Cleaning your boat before you leave the boat ramp area.
    3. Letting the boat drip dry on the ride home or to the marina.
    4. You don’t need to worry about the spread of aquatic species.
  4. According to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, dumping of __________ or garbage mixed with __________ is prohibited in any waters.
  5. Where can raw sewage be dumped?
    1. In the water very close to the shoreline.
    2. On the shore in an area that appears to be unoccupied by wildlife (i.e. ducks, geese).
    3. More than 3 nautical miles from shore.
    4. Anywhere, it does not matter where it is dumped.
  6. True/False: Boats operating in-land with an installed toilet do not require a sanitation system to prevent pollution and discharge of raw sewage.
  7. A typical Marine Sanitation system consists mainly of three items: an installed toilet, a holding tank and which of the following?
    1. A waste disposal bin.
    2. A small sink.
    3. A waste treatment system.
    4. A toilet paper roll dispenser.
  8. Areas that are usually designated as ______________ Zones are those areas of water that have no navigable connections to other bodies of water. Thus, Type I and Type II Marine Sanitation Devices cannot be used in these areas.
  9. True/False: The Refuse Act of 1899 disallows throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any kind into United States waters.
  10. If a vessel is 26 feet or more and is operating in Federal waters, it needs to display a 5X8 placard which states that the discharge of oil is prohibited. This placard also has to be displayed in a conspicuous place. Which of the following would be considered a conspicuous place?
    1. In an open area, such as on-deck by the steering wheel.
    2. Inside a closed compartment such as a small cupboard.
    3. Where the lifejackets are stored.
    4. Under the operator’s seat.

Quiz Answers

  1. True
  2. C
  3. B
  4. Plastic, plastic
  5. C
  6. False
  7. C
  8. No Discharge
  9. True
  10. A

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