Owner’s manual – ESQUIRE 35
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9 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
As a boater, you already appreciate nature’s beauty and the peace of the great
outdoors. It is a boater’s responsibility to protect the natural environment by keeping
waterways clean.
Do not put anything in the water you wouldn’t want to eat or drink!
Know the local laws for discharging holding tanks and refuse, and respect them.
9.1 Marpol treaty
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from ships, commonly
referred at as the
MARPOL Treaty
(MARine POLlution) prohibits the overboard
dumping of all ship-generated plastics, chemicals, garbage and oil.
9.2 Fuel and oil spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways
contaminates the environment and is dangerous
to wildlife. Never discharge or dispose of fuel or
oil into the water; it is prohibited and you could
be fined. There are two common, accidental
types of discharge:
•
Overfilling the fuel tank.
•
Pumping contaminated bilge water.
Keep the bilge area clean from spilled fuel and oil.
DO NOT store soiled rags on-board; dispose of
them properly onshore.
9.3 Discharge and disposal of waste
Waste means all forms of garbage, plastics, recyclables, food, wood, detergents,
sewage and even fish parts in certain waters – in short, nearly everything. We
recommend you bring back everything you take out with you for proper disposal
ashore.
For the proper disposal of black water, use an approved pump-out facility at your
marina. Many areas prohibit the discharge of sewage overboard or even an operable
overboard waste discharge. The circuit breaker of the black water pump should be
switched of at all times and the sewage discharge overboard valve should remain
shut.
9.4 Excessive Noise
Noise means engine noise, radio noise or even shouting. Many bodies of water have
adopted noise limits. Music and loud conversation can carry a considerable distance
on water, especially at night.
9.5 Exhaust Emissions
Increased exhaust (hydrocarbon) emissions pollute our water and air. Keep your
engine(s) tuned and boat clean for peak performance. Consult your engine manual for
information.
9.6 Paints
If your boat is kept in water where marine growth is a problem, the use of antifouling
paint may reduce the growth rate. Be aware of environmental regulations that may
govern your paint choice. Contact your local boating authorities for information.
WARNING
FIRE/EXPLOSION OR
ASPHYXIATION HAZARD!
Fumes from flammable solvents can
cause fire, explosion or asphyxiation
resulting in death or serious injury.
DO NOT use flammable solvents to
clean the bilge.
