Florida has over 15,000 miles of beaches, shorelines, rivers, streams and waterways. As there is a direct link between Florida and the marine industry, clean water is essential to the livelihood and well-being of local communities.
Since 2000, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has encouraged clean marina and boating activities through the Clean Marina Program’s (CMP) designation process. This initiative recognizes facilities engaging in environmental Best Management Practices, exceeding regulatory requirements, in and around Florida’s waterways. Consisting of three different target areas, CMP contains elements that are tailored to fit the varying aspects of marina operations.
Many locations in the state of Florida operate as a combination of marina, boatyard and/or marine retailer. As such, the Florida Clean Marina Program recognizes these efforts, and designates for each specification as requirements are met. It is possible for an applicant facility to receive designation in all three of the program areas detailed below.
A marina is a docking facility with 10 or more boat slips, or a docking facility of any size that provides marine supplies or services required for boating, including but not limited to: dry storage, boat repair, gas, oil, boat sales, boat testing, shellfish or finfish harvesting or distribution, or facilities associated with certain other boating-related commercial establishments. Marinas usually provide safe anchorage and storage of vessels of various sizes. The clean marina will implement a set of environmental BMPs designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.
A boatyard is a facility that provides a repair or refinishing site for hull, mechanical or electrical work on vessels. This work may entail the use of resins, paints, lubricants, solvents or other hazardous materials and may require an air permit, industrial waste water permit or Stormwater permit. To achieve designation, the boatyard must be in line with the provided BMPs to reduce pollution. By maintaining environmentally-responsible practices, Clean Boatyards identify opportunities and implement practices to control pollution such as using dustless sanders, oil and solvent recycling and re-circulating pressure wash systems to recycle wastewater. These measures help to preserve the state’s natural resources for future generations.
A marine retailer sells new or used boats and provides services. The marine retailer provides, onsite or offsite repairs or refinishing for hull, mechanical or electrical work on vessels as part of a service department. The Clean Marine Retailer encourages retailers to educate boaters by providing information on clean boating practices to those who purchase vessels and visit their facilities. A Clean Marine Retailer employs environmental Best Management Practices in their boat, engine service, and facility operations.
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