Whether it’s a few drops at the fuel dock, bilge discharge, vessel fire or a sunken vessel, oil and fuel sheens are more than just an eyesore. Pollution in our marine environment is a serious threat to the ecosystem and can be a significant legal liability for boaters.
If you see a spill, immediately identify and stop the source of the spill if it is safe to do so and notify the marina for assistance.
In Georgian Bay, the Canadian Coast Guard Environmental Response (CCG ER) responds to these incidents. Statistics show that nearly 50% of their responses involve pleasure craft. Under the Marine Liability Act, if your boat causes a spill, you are responsible for reporting the spill and covering the cost of the cleanup.
Critical Safety: The Gasoline Rule
If you spill gasoline, your immediate priority is fire prevention, not environmental cleanup. Gasoline is uniquely dangerous due to its extremely low flashpoint (as low as -50°C), which means it is always ready to ignite, even in winter.
What to Do:
- Do Not Contain: Unlike diesel or oil, gasoline spills must not be boomed or contained. Trapping gasoline creates a volatile, explosive atmosphere.
- Evacuate: Immediately remove people and eliminate all sources of ignition or sparks (engines, cigarettes, or electronics).
- Allow to Evaporate: Gasoline is “non-persistent” and will evaporate quickly if left uncontained.
- Report: Call the Coast Guard and 911 immediately if there is a safety risk. involved
The Myth of Detergents (No Soap–It’s the Law!)
It’s a common myth that dish soap helps clean a spill. Adding dish soap or detergents to a spill is strictly prohibited by federal and provincial law.
- They do not clean: Detergents simply break the fuel into small droplets that sink.
- Worse for the environment: This moves toxins from the surface down into the water column, which can cause even more harm to aquatic life.
- Hefty Fines: Using “dispersants” like soap can result in significant fines for the owner.
Containment and Recovery: Diesel, Oil & Lubricants
For non-explosive, persistent spills like diesel, containment is the goal if the product hasn’t already thinned out and it is safe to do so.
Movement: A slick moves at 100% of the current speed but only 3% of the wind speed. Current is the primary driver of where a spill will go.- Booming: Booms (temporary floating barriers) can be used to protect sensitive areas or concentrate fuel for recovery.
- Sorbents: Sorbent cloths are effective for thicker spills but do not work well on thin “rainbow” sheens.
- Disposal: Used sorbents are “subject waste.” Do not store them in standard plastic bags, as the fuel can degrade the plastic and cause further leaks.
Reporting a Spill: Who to Call
The agency you call depends on the source of the spill. If you see or cause a spill, you must report it to the appropriate agency:
| Source of Spill | Agency to Call | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| From a Vessel | Canadian Coast Guard | 1-800-265-0237 |
| From Land/Dock | Spills Action Centre | 1-800-268-6060 |
| Immediate Safety Threat | Emergency Services | 911 |
Be prepared to provide: The source, owner’s name, location, product type, estimated quantity, and any containment measures currently being taken.
Spill Prevention: The Boater’s Checklist
The best cleanup is the one that never happens. To avoid unnecessary spills:
- Inspect: Regularly check lines, hoses, and fuel vents for deterioration.
Vacuum Oil Changes: If you do your own maintenance, use a portable vacuum oil change pump that drains into a closed container.- Seal the Engine: Replace oil pan gaskets and seals whenever the motor is removed for service.
- Fuel with Care: Always carry oil absorption pads to “sop up” drips while filling your boat or portable tanks.
Check Your Insurance Policy Today
Many policies do not automatically cover environmental cleanup or wreck removal. If yours doesn’t, contact your broker to discuss your options.