MD Clean Marina Adds New Facilities

Two marinas in Rock Hall passed inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to earn the Maryland Clean Marina Award. Gratitude Marina and Osprey Point Marina met the award criteria, bringing the total number of Clean Marinas and Clean Marina Partners to 151 — about a quarter of the marinas in Maryland.

As part of their environmental initiatives, both facilities installed fuel spill response kits, started sharing environmental education materials with slip holders, and wrote clear marina rules. Additionally, Gratitude Marina made several new signs for their fuel dock and boatyard, to improve safety and to promote pollution prevention practices.

To attract more Clean Marinas, during February, Clean Marina staff held three seminars to introduce the program to new participants and to offer speakers on topics of interest to marinas. More than 100 participants attended the seminars at Bush River Yacht Club, Annapolis Recreation Center and the Richardson Maritime Museum in Cambridge.

Ted Sensenbrenner of the Boat U.S. Foundation spoke about the varying claims of “eco safe” boat cleaners and research the foundation conducted to test the claims and the products. He also spoke the foundation’s free online spill prevention course for marinas.

Staff from the department’s Licensing and Registration Service discussed the difference between “abandoned” boats and those requiring a mechanic’s lien and provided all the forms needed. Essentially, if a boat owner entered a contract for storage and/or owes the marina fees, then a mechanic’s lien must be established Anyone that missed the talk can contact their local Licensing and Registration office to get more information.