Being a “Green” RIB Owner – Part 1

Unless you’re running around with one of the new battery powered engines that are slowly hitting the marine market, it may seem as if being a RIB owner and being green are hardly compatible – but there is still plenty you can do to ensure that the impact you as a RIB owner make on the environment is kept to a minimum. Here’s an introduction to some of the things to bear in mind when RIBing…

Petrol In The Water

It goes without saying that petrol in or on the water is harmful and, in some cases, fatal to marine life. Benzene, a carcinogen, is found in petrol and oil contains zinc, sulphur, and phosphorous, none of which is particularly kind on the environment. Once petrol is spilt in the water, it may float at the surface, evaporate into the air, become suspended in the water or settle to the sea floor. Floating petrol is particularly noxious because it reduces light penetration and the exchange of oxygen at the water’s surface. It is frightening when you realise that a single litre of spilt engine oil released onto the water can cover nearly an acre of water surface area.

Waste and Sewage
Waste and sewage is another major issue for the environment and I’ve lost count of the amount of boaters I’ve seen discarding rubbish from their boats whilst underway – few things get me more worked up on the water than the sight of an empty can or carrier bag being chucked from a boat.

The Law

UK legislation has generally been transposed from International Directives established by the international maritime community at IMO.