April 18, 2016
TRUTH BE TOLD
Pollution in Connecticut waters is an issue. It can be eliminated if everyone chips in. In short, everyone doing simple things to clean the waters up will make a difference. As a matter of fact, boaters are the fourth leading cause of pollution in Connecticut waters. Let’s change that! Most importantly, do your Pre-Trip Inspections. Get in the habit of opening and checking your engine compartment as well as opening the engine cover every time before you go out.
ALARMING STATISTICS
Take a look at these stats. Trash thrown in our waters does not decompose overnight. Are you ready for an eye opener? However, keep in mind that the following is one hundred percent avoidable.
- A simple piece of paper takes 2-4 weeks
- Wax paper takes 40 weeks
- A tin can takes 100 years
- Plastics take 450 years
- An aluminum can takes 500 years
- Wine Bottles take 600 years
- One quart of oil can leave a slick 1000 feet long for two years*
- One gallon of gasoline contaminates 750 gallons of water
*Highly Toxic Liquids such as Diesel, Gasoline and Oil are used in just about every powered vessel in our country and also impacts our waters in a major way. Imagine what even just a few drops from every boat could add up to.
YOU CAN DO YOUR PART BUT FOLLOWING A FEW SIMPLE RULES
-First, bring a bag for garbage when you go out on the boat
-Secondly, always have rags and paper towels on board to clean up any fluids
-Thirdly, make sure you are diligent when adding or changing the oil, if you trailer your boat, do it in your driveway or on land
-Last but not least, when filling up with gas: Use all the procedures taught to you when you got your license.
Finally there are many products out there to prevent spills as well as cleaning them up, by using these products, you are doing your part and we applaud you for that. Connecticut Boating Certificates cares about our environment and we hope you do too.
AS ALWAYS
Above all, be smart, be safe, and remember there are no egos when passengers’ lives are in your hands.
Please visit our Public Course Schedule to view all of the classes we have available for you. Zoom Classes are available now. There has never been an easier way to get your Boating Certificate
Here is some great information about Pollution of the waters in Connecticut from the DEEP: Water Pollution (ct.gov)
