NSW Maritime conducted a statewide environmental education campaign throughout April.

The campaign aimed to encourage responsible behaviour by the boating community, including managing waste discharge and minimising wash from vessels.

While the majority of the boating community act responsibly, it is important to not become complacent and to remain vigilant, and follow best possible environmental practices when using and maintaining boats.

The campaign combined on-water patrols, media activity, boating education seminars and information at NSW Maritime service centres across NSW.

The boating community can assist in protecting the environment in a number of ways, including:

• zero tolerance on polluting
• responsible disposing of all rubbish
• refuelling with care and mopping up any spillage
• keeping bilges clean to avoid oily water being pumped overboard
• having an appropriate sewage disposal system
• navigating through sensitive waterways in a responsible manner, and
• decreasing wash which can pose a hazard to other smaller craft and the foreshore environment.

The campaign will targeted areas where wash was an ongoing problem, ensuring that vessel operators are more aware of high wash impacts on the environment and safety.