Fueling, cleaning, and maintaining boats can generate pollutants that negatively impact aquatic environments. Boaters play a vital role in protecting Indiana’s waterways. IDEM invites recreational boaters to support the Indiana Clean Marina Program and pledge to be stewards of Indiana’s waters by joining the Indiana Clean Boater Program. By actively using best management practices boaters can prevent or reduce the amount of pollution entering our lakes and rivers and even stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The Benefits of Participating
Boaters who participate will:
- Be recognized as environmental stewards.
- Show that they are exemplary leaders.
- Keep our waters free of litter.
- Help protect sensitive shallow water habitat areas.
- Improve water quality and aquatic habitat.
- Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Become a Clean Boater Today! Take the Pledge!
#CleanBoatersAreIN!
As a recreational boater supportive of the Indiana Clean Marina Program, I pledge to be a steward of Indiana’s waters. I will read the clean boater tip sheets and use the best management practices recommended therein to protect our aquatic resources. I will further ensure that all passengers aboard my watercraft follow these best management practices, and I will encourage other boaters to be stewards of Indiana’s waters as well.
As an Indiana Clean Boater, I pledge to:
- Keep our waters free of litter by recycling or properly disposing of trash;
- Prevent spills of fuel and engine fluids by adopting proper watercraft fueling and maintenance practices;
- Stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by using Clean, Drain, Dry;
- Prevent discharges of sewage by using restrooms, pump outs, and dump stations;
- Protect sensitive shallow water habitats by obeying no-wake zones;
- Minimize other adverse impacts to the environment, including cleaning and winterizing my watercraft in an environmentally sensitive manner;
- Support the Clean Marina Program, including utilizing designated Clean Marinas when practical; and
- Serve as a Clean Boating ambassador to my passengers and other recreational boaters.
Clean Boater Tip Sheets
As part of the Clean Marina Guidebook, IDEM and its partners drafted a set of tip sheets to provide Clean Boaters with best practices to help them minimize their impact on Indiana’s waterways.
- Aquatic Invasive Species [PDF]
- Bilges [PDF]
- Boat Cleaning [PDF]
- Boat Maintenance and Operation (Managing Hazardous Waste) [PDF]
- Fuel and Oil [PDF]
- Sewage [PDF]
- Solid Waste [PDF]
Resources for Boaters
- Designated Clean Marinas
- Boaters! Put hazardous waste in its proper place.
- Contact your local Solid Waste Management District for information about the disposal of hazardous marine waste.
- Residents of Marion County can utilize the Indianapolis HHW drop-off sites.
- Find a pumpout
- How to use a pumpout
- Blue-Green Algae Alerts
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice - Safer Cleaning Chemicals
- Clean Boating Course (BoatUS Foundation)
Boaters may find additional resources — such as marina locations, fishing information, weather forecasts, and boating laws and responsibilities — on IDEM’s website.
