MyBoatCard.com® | Official Canadian Boating License

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Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8
Accredited Logo
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8

Pollutants

The following is a list pollutants that cannot be discharged in Canadian waters:

  • Oil, oil-waste or fuel;
  • Hazardous chemicals (including toxic cleaning products);
  • Pesticides, herbicides, paint, etc.;
  • Black water (sewage) or gray water (dishwater, runoff from showers, bathtubs, etc.); and
  • Garbage or waste.

 

Reduce Pollution from Bilges

Oil, fuel and transmission fluid are a few examples of pollutants that harm the environment when pumped overboard – usually by automatic bilge pumps. Bilge cleaners, even the biodegradable ones, just break down the oil into tiny, less visible droplets – but it is still present. Absorbent bilge cloths are very useful because they are designed to absorb petroleum products and repel water.

 

Here are a few tips to help keep bilge pollution at a minimum:

  • Make sure your bilge is clean before you turn on automatic bilge pumps. Only use them when needed and when the bilge contains only water; and
  • Use towels or bilge cloths to absorb oils, fuel, antifreeze and transmission fluid. Dispose of used towels or bilge cloths in an approved garbage container.

 

Study Guide