2.4 NOTES ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental pollution is caused by three kinds of polluting agents:

• Water polluters;
• Air polluters;
• Soil polluters.

Non oily and black waters (containing only human organic waste) can be discharged into the open sea. In harbour areas they should be collected into suitable containers and afterwards discharged either during navigation into open sea or by means of special drainage systems fastened to the shore or wheel-conveyed (with optional black water tank).

Soil pollution is caused by discharging waste at shore.

International rules for pleasure yachts essentially prescribe the following:

• During navigation it is forbidden to discharge any non biodegradable product, either of food or commercial origin, into the open sea.
• In the harbour, normal waste is considered as urban waste that must be hermetically sealed in plastic bags and thrown into waste dumpsters.
• Special waste must be disposed of into suitable containers or, if these are not available, it must be delivered to local waste disposing areas, in compliance with the rules in force, issued by the local Port Authority.
• The following waste is considered special waste:
  • Water and oily mixtures (e.g.: Bilge water)
  • Oils (fuel, additives and lubricants)
  • Poisonous chemical substances (like battery acids, paints, thinners and the relevant containers)
  • Spray cans containing C.F.C. gas
  • Batteries
  • Spent flares
  • Expired pharmaceutical products
  • Products containing lead or asbestos
  • Etc..
• Fuel and oil leaks.
• Waste discharge and disposal.
• Excessive noise.
• Wake / wake from board.
• Exhaust fumes.
• Paints, detergents and other agents.

Please remember that, according to legislation, until such waste is delivered to suitable disposal areas, you will be considered as possessors and therefore indictable in case of unlawful discharge. Should specific cases be missing in the harbour area, the Authority in charge for the disposal is the Port Authority section “Waste Disposal”.

WARNING

When moored in a harbour, always check that your yacht is not a source of pollution. The environment must be respected and safeguarded, preventing risks for the life of aquatic flora and fauna. It is good practice to leave no trace behind you, to respect laws on safety and environmental protection.
Do not discharge bilge waste, oily residues, fuel or other liquids overboard. Dispose of solid waste and old engine oil in the containers provided at mooring points.

WARNING

During navigation, it is always necessary to behave suitably and to respect the safety and the comfort of your guests and of persons on nearby boats. Therefore:

• Avoid excessive noise;
• Do not leave the engines running for long periods without moving off;
• Do not navigate at high speed or beyond the permitted limits when leaving or entering harbours, marinas, etc.., To prevent causing excessive wash or wave motion.

CAUTION

It is absolutely prohibited to throw into the sea: plastic materials, synthetic cables, fishing nets, waste bags, floating packaging materials, cordage, paper, rags, glass, metals, bottles, galley utensils and similar. Non-comminuted or unground food waste can be disposed of beyond 12 miles.

CAUTION

Within 12 nautical miles from the coast it is forbidden to discharge into the sea the black water: you must keep off the drain pump, excluding the automatic activation if present.

CAUTION

It is forbidden to use toilets or holding tanks near the shore or in any prohibited area. Use the facilities of the suction port or marina to empty the holding tank before leaving port.

ENVIRONMENT

Always consider and comply with local environmental laws and international marine pollution (MARPOL).
Also, you must always respect the rules of good conduct yacht.

CAUTION

When garbage is mixed with other harmful substances having different disposal or discharge requirements, the more stringent disposal requirements apply.

Although discharge at sea, except in special areas, of a wide range of ship generated garbage is permitted at specified distances from the nearest land, preference should be given to disposal at shore reception facilities.