Clean Marine BC raises the bar

Not only has participation in Clean Marine BC, our voluntary eco-certification program, been growing in leaps and bounds – our marinas and yacht clubs have been raising the bar on environmental best practices! The top five-anchor CMBC rating was an elusive achievement for almost seven years until it was awarded for the first time to False … Continue reading

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Green boating in the southern Salish Sea

We recently had a chance to speak with Adria Lau, Program Manager of Washington’s Clean Boating Foundation, which has many similarities to our Clean Marine BC green boating and marina eco-certification program. Here is what she had to say about their organization, and ways we can work together to minimize the impacts from recreational boating in … Continue reading

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First marine spill training for Clean Marine BC

Twenty representatives from eleven Clean Marine BC facilities came together in our first ever marine spill training session. False Creek Harbour Authority hosted us at Fishermen’s Wharf, and mother nature provided the sunshine! Instructor Craig Dougans from Global Strategem Consulting led us through a full day of classroom and practical training covering planning, preparedness, spill … Continue reading

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Avoiding pollution while doing topside work on boats

Maintaining our boats can be a messy business, and we need to take care to contain any pollutants that can escape into the air, ground and water. Ideally we would carry out all maintenance in a boatyard with responsible practices such as using waste containment systems, drop sheets and shrouds. If dockside work cannot be … Continue reading

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The power of hope

It feels just a little bit brighter. The elections results of October 19th have brought to an end a period of great darkness for civil society.  If that sounds melodramatic, I can tell you from direct experience it is not. Deemed enemies of the state, attacked, tied up in administrative burdens so we could be … Continue reading

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Ladysmith rallies on derelict vessels

When you visit Ladysmith Harbour, you’ll see a place of great beauty and activity – but you will also find a number of problem boats in various stages of decline. In one short stretch of beach there are four derelict vessels grounded and decaying, plus several more floating and at risk of becoming derelict. The … Continue reading

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We Binned Our Boat

Guest Blog by Graham Chamberlain and Barb Hardy In January 1993, up in Genoa Bay, we bought a twenty year old 37 foot ferro cement sailboat from John Sampson. We circumnavigated Vancouver Island that year, and then for a number of years averaged 100 nights onboard up the outside coast north of Tofino. We wintered … Continue reading

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Down at the Dock: Derelict Vessels and Green Boating Solutions

Recreational boating is an incredibly attractive pastime – who wouldn’t be attracted to time spent out on the water with family and friends? Unfortunately, those who have never experienced the reality of owning a boat are more susceptible to being lured into taking a boat that’s offered for free or buying one on the cheap, … Continue reading

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Clean Marine BC at the Vancouver International Boat Show

The Vancouver International Boat Show is underway! GSA staff, volunteers, and our mermaid Georgia are at BC Place handing out our popular Guide to Green Boating. Boaters are also keen to learn about our Clean Marine BC eco-certified marinas, yacht clubs and boat yards. Our booth includes a gorgeous map of the 25 member facilities … Continue reading

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