The Eco-Friendly Sailor Initiative
This 15 point charter has been drawn together from the numerous discussions held in cockpits, bars and restaurants on previous Raids.
If you are keeping to 10 of the 15 points we think you are doing very well and will have earned the right to fly the flag.
The Eco-Friendly Sailor's Charter
We Eco Friendly Sailors bear in mind that everything we do, or action we take, has an effect on the future of the Oceans.
1. We do not throw anything overboard.
2. We use the in port infrastructure and systems ashore for the disposal of our rubbish and thereby limit the effects of our pollution.
3. When we buy antifouling or maintenance products for our boats we give preference to products which best respect the environment and we only careen and lift out in places specifically equipped for this operation.
4. We only use cleaning products, detergents, soaps and shampoo which are natural and biodegradable for washing up, general cleaning and personal hygiene and we try to minimise our fresh water consumption at sea and ashore.
5. Our boats are equipped with holding tanks for black and grey water and we prefer to use the in-port alongside facilities to empty them.
6. At sea we keep a look out for, identify and report anything that might contribute to the swift identification of a source of pollution (slicks of rubbish, hydrocarbons, dead birds, floating containers, boats emptying tanks) and thereby facilitating action to limit the impact on the environment.
7. We will only fill our tanks using equipment and systems designed to avoid any spillage.
8. We use bilge socks and filters to remove hydrocarbons and pollutants from our bilge water.
9. We moor on marinas and buoys set up by the appropriate authorities. If we do not have a choice we anchor on sand by preference.
10. We respect speed limits in the proximity of small islands and in access channels (2 to 3 knots) so as not to disturb the animals by our noise, nor to erode the shores and banks with our wash.
11. We limit our fishing and hunting to our personal consumption and we put back all smaller catches.
12. We respect the rules and regulations in areas where marine mammals are to be found. If we want to observe them, we approach slowly and keep a sufficient distance so as not to disturb them. We limit our time observing them and do not impose our presence on them if they seem tired of our being there.
13. By keeping to this charter we are ambassadors for the sea to other sea users, local authorities and governments.
14. We will explain our Eco-Friendly Sailor Charter when asked and gently encourage others to become Eco Friendly Sailors and to look after our environment.
15. We like to Fly the flag and do so because we keep to at least 10 of the statements in this charter and strive to keep to them all at all times.