Protecting the Environment

All of our charter locations are in areas that require special consideration regarding nature conservation. Sailing can certainly be considered a “green” pass time in its purest form but careless operation of the boat or lack of supervision can harm the marine and shore life.

Local people, through government bodies, charities and action groups have long recognised the importance of protecting their greatest asset, the environment. We must respect their rules and act responsibly if we are to continue to be welcome visitors.

Marine Parks, National Parks and the World Heritage site at the Vallee de Mai in the Seychelles have their own special regulations but  every where else should be treated with the same respect.
 

Coral Reefs

Most people are aware how easily coral reefs and the associated marine life can be damaged. Many of the more popular snorkel and dive sites are National Park areas with day use mooring bouy systems installed. Use these moorings as prescribed and if none are available anchor only in a designated area. Never take anything from a National Park area, the slogan “take only pictures, leave only bubbles” is good advice.

When snorkeling or diving do not touch the coral, not only can you cause injury to yourself but the coral will be damaged even though it may not appear so.

The colourful reef fish can be inquisitive and you will observe some people feeding them. Although this is an enjoyable activity some marine biologists believe it is ultimately harmful to the fish. It changes their natural behaviour making them dependent and the types of scraps they are fed cause them to become unhealthy.
 

Mangroves

Mangroves are a very important part of tropical island environments, they form a protective barrier between the land and sea preventing coastal erosion and keeping the water clear. Coral needs light to survive and the mangroves filter sediment from rain water run off before it enters the sea. You will probably not have cause to enter any mangrove areas during your vacation but if you do treat them with respect.
 

Anchoring

An anchor dropped in an inappropriate spot can cause huge damage to the seabed, it will also fail to hold securely or become fouled. The predominately clear waters in our charter base cruising areas means that it is quite easy to see the sea bed from the deck of the boat. Always choose to drop the anchor and lay its chain in an area of clear sand. Sea grass is very common, not only can it be difficult to set the anchor in it too can suffer from damage. The tiny young, or fry, of some reef fish inhabit the sea grass until they are large enough to live on the reef so again it should not be damaged unnecessarily.
 

Garbage Disposal

Waste disposal from the boat can present some problems. The relatively high air temperatures means that waste food stuff will go off quickly so plan to drop off your trash regularly and work this into your itinerary. Do not expect there to be garbage facilities at every anchorage you visit. Your local base staff will advise where to drop off trash and there is also information listed under cruising notes for your destination.

Please be cautious if anyone offers to take your trash from the boat for a fee. This service is certainly offered at some locations but it has been know for this waste to be left dumped on shore just out of sight.

Please do not let the six pack, plastic, soda can rings fall into the water. Turtles and seabirds are killed when these items are swallowed or become wrapped around their necks.

Do as much as you can to keep waste generated to a minimum, buy items with minimal packaging if you have the choice.

 

Toilet Waste

The operation of the marine toilets and holding tanks is dealt with in the below deck/heads section. Discharging of toilet waste overboard is regulated and penalties for contravention of discharge laws can be severe. All of our yachts have on deck connection points but facilities to pump waste ashore are uncommon at our charter locations so make sure your are in a non restricted area before  pumping waste overboard either from the toilets or holding tanks.

 

Fuel and Oils

You will probably not need to refuel the yacht during your charter but you may need to add engine oil or fuel for the dinghy outboard motor. When topping up the main engines oil do so from a small size container and not a gallon or 5 litre size, it is much easier to handle. Mop up any spills in the engine bilge area before they contaminate the bilge water and dispose of rags or paper towels properly.

If taking diesel or gasoline from a fuel dock never leave the pump unattended and do not try to fill the tank to it fullest level, this usually results in overflowing. It is often easiest to take the portable tank from the tender and fill it from the dock.
 

Soaps and Cleaning Products.

Soaps, shampoos and detergents are widely available in biodegradable formulas now. Please try to bring this type of product for use on the boat or if shopping locally.

 

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