With its favorable climate and expansive coastline, California supports some of the highest levels of recreational boating activity in the United States. During 2008, the Coast Guard reports that some 858,000 motorboats were registered in California. Increases in the state’s population have been reflected in the continued popularity of recreational boating.
The California Coastal Commission has a program called Boating Clean and Green that is aimed at providing boater education and technical assistance to promote environmentally friendly boating practices. The Boating Clean and Green Program began in 1997 and has received a number of public service awards in concert with its many public and private partners.
The Dockwalkers Program
One unique way that Boating Clean and Green promotes its educational message is known as the Dockwalker Program. The program was developed initially with the help of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Monterey Bay. Boaters and other interested volunteers are provided with a two and half hour training course that details environmentally safe boating practices. The classes are free and offered often throughout the southern half of California.
Once Dockwalkers are qualified through their training experience, these volunteers actively walk the docks of California marinas and distribute information about clean boating practices. Dockwalkers serve as eyes and ears for Boating Clean and Green Campaign. Participants are able to pass on suggestions for improvements in pollution prevention services because they are familiar with the operation of local mooring facilities.
Officials report that there are over 500 dockwalkers spreading the message of clean boating in California. Reports indicate these volunteers have distributed more than 80,000 boater education kits since the year 2000. These boater kits include a tide book, safety flag, clean boating brochure, regulations booklet and an oil adsorbent pillow, all contained in a reusable tote bag
The Boating Clean and Green Campaign
Dockwalkers are only one part of the overall Boating Clean and Green Campaign in California. Major components are broken into the categories of research, outreach through public education and technical assistance.
- Research – The program conducts research to determine how to best encourage clean boating practices and measure the effectiveness of the campaign. Researchers study boater behaviors, gaps in service, and the educational approaches used with the boating public.
- Outreach and Public Education – The clean boating program reaches out to users and provides education materials and training. Dockwalkers are just part of this effort. Education is aimed at boaters, but also includes training of volunteer educators.
- Technical Assistance – Boating Clean and Green offers technical assistance to marina and boatyard operators interested in being more environmentally responsible. Services can include operational assistance and facility designs.
Volunteer Today
California Boating Clean and Green Campaign is actively seeking new volunteers for the Dockwalkers Program. Contact the Campaign at (415) 904-6905 or visit coast4u.org to join the effort and schedule some training.
GOG101
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
