Boating Pollution Prevention Tips
By following a few tips when using your boat, you can help prevent both air and
water pollution.
You Can Make a Difference in Preventing Marine Engine
Pollution
Over 10 million marine engines are operated in the United States. These marine
engines are among the highest contributors of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of
nitrogen (NOx) emissions in many areas of the country. HC and NOx emissions
contribute to ground-level ozone, which irritates the respiratory system causing chest
pain and lung inflammation. Ozone can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions
such as asthma. Boaters can join many others who are working to make a difference
in preventing pollution from marine engines.
Improving the Marine Engine
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set emission standards for new
outboard and personal watercraft engines that started to take effect in 1998 and were
fully phased in by 2006. To meet these standards, engine manufacturers developed
technologies for new and better engine designs. Starting with the 2010 model year,
new outboard and personal watercraft engines must meet a second round of more
stringent standards. In addition, new 2010 model year sterndrive and inboard
engines started to meet emission standards. These sterndrive and inboard engines
will usually be equipped with fully electronic controls and catalytic converters, which
will allow them to achieve a high level of performance while significantly reducing
exhaust emissions. Similar emission standards also apply for diesel marine engines.
Boaters Can Prevent Pollution
Even with the new technology, the cooperation of individual boaters is essential in
the effort to improve air quality and prevent pollution. Boaters can make a difference
SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
EPA-420-F-13-006
January 2013
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that will help protect the environment now and in the future by adopting the following
practices:
• Limit engine operation at full throttle,
• Eliminate unnecessary idling,
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule,
• Prepare engines properly for winter storage,
• Buy new, cleaner marine engines.
Refueling is also important. Any fuel that spills is not only wasted, it pollutes the water or it
evaporates and contributes to air pollution. Pumping gasoline at a marina requires care to avoid
overfilling. The marine industry has developed standards for new boats to address this problem.
For older vessels, it is up to the operator to monitor the fill level while pumping the gasoline. For
boats designed for refueling with portable fuel containers, the following steps can help
prevent fuel spills:
• Pour slowly and smoothly,
• Use a spout with an automatic stop device for better control,
• Close the vent on the portable fuel containers for storage,
• Transport and store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place,
• Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station,
• Measure carefully if you mix gasoline and oil.
By combining these strategies, boaters can reduce pollution from marine engines and help keep
our air and water clean.
For More Information
You can access documents on gasoline boats and personal watercrafts on EPA's Office of
Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) Web site at:
www.epa.gov/otaq/marinesi.htm
You can also contact the OTAQ library for document information at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality Library
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
(734)214-4311
Email: Group_AALibrary@epa.gov
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