The Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) has been designated as a ‘Clean Marina Level 3’ through an international program that aims to reduce water pollution associated with boating/marina facilities in Australian waters.
The International Clean Marinas program is a voluntary accreditation system for marinas, yacht and boat clubs, slipways, boatyards and associated industry operators. Level 3 accreditation requires a marina to demonstrate environmental best practice through a comprehensive process that is independently audited.
Operators are assessed on a 103 point checklist and must demonstrate their practices over more than 40 areas, including mechanical activities, boat maintenance and storage, painting and fibreglass repairs, fueling, facility management, emergency planning, fish and pet waste, boat cleaning, stormwater runoff and boater education.
The program is administered by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), the peak body for marina industries in Australia, Asia and the South Pacific.
MIA President Andrew Chapman congratulated RGYC on the achievement.
“A Clean Marina designation is granted to operators that consistently use practices that reduce pollution and enhance the environment,” he said.
“Our goal is to promote clean water, clean air and thriving marina industry businesses across Australia which can continue to provide many benefits for boaters and local communities.
“And we’re delighted that Royal Geelong Yacht Club has demonstrated their commitment to this.”
RYGC Commodore Chris Williams said the club was very proud of the Award.
“This achievement reflects our dedication to environmental best practice – in both performance and education – across our entire marina operations,” he said.
“We have a genuine commitment to sustainability and the outcomes it achieves, and we’re absolutely delighted our marina is officially recognised as a testament to that, and to an international standard.”
The Clean Marina Program was developed in consultation with major Australian city councils, State Environment/Heritage and EPA agencies in every state of Australia and the Northern Territory, the Australian marina industry, and operators of similar programs across the USA, the United Kingdom and in continental Europe.