If you encounter an oil or fuel spill, take action to resolve it. Oil spills must be controlled, contained, cleaned up, and reported.
As a boater, there is a chance you will experience an oil spill or come across one on the water. You can help mitigate the impacts on the environment through prompt reporting and taking quick action to contain the spilled product. Petroleum is persistent in the marine environment and spills from forty years ago still cause ecological harm. Any discharge of a petroleum product that produces a sheen or discoloration on the water surface a violation of the U. S. Water Pollution Act.
A boat operator that causes or witnesses a spill is required to report it to the Coast Guard. Kayakers and sailboaters are not likely to cause a problem, but can be a great help to response agencies. State and Federal spill responders can always use the extra eyes and help on the water. Call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 to report a spill. Failure to report a spill can result in many legal complications.
If your vessel causes an oil spill, take immediate action to control it. Make an effort to find the source of the problem. Fuel lines can rupture, caps may come loose, or filters may need tightening. After you control the source of a fuel, take action to contain and prevent it from leaving your boat. Learn to use Safe Fuel Procedures with your vessel.
Many boats have self-bailing decks that allow rainwater to flow freely off the deck. The openings that allow this are scuppers. An oil spill on the back deck of a boat can be contained by blocking these scuppers. Fuel or oil in the water or on the boat can be picked up with special oil adsorbent materials. Adsorbents come in many forms including pads, sweeps, and pillows. Carry a few on your vessel. They are available through most fuel distributors and marine supply stores. Don't use soap or detergent to cleanup an oil spill on the water. The soap only causes the oil to sink and concentrate at the bottom. After the excitement of controlling and containing a spill properly, take the time necessary to report it to the Coast Guard.
It has been my experience that citations aren't issued to most boaters for small spills, especially when they have taken immediate action to control, clean up, and report them. The Coast Guard seems more interested in making sure the spill is resolved correctly and that the boater has acted responsibly. Many spills are the result of human error. Correct and prompt action will protect future access to our boating environment.
