Caption: Putting the BoatUS Foundation trash placard decal in a prominent spot – in this case on the inside of a head door – helps remind everyone aboard how to handle waste.
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The BoatUS Foundation oil discharge placard decal on machinery spaces, such as a bilge access door, helps ensure proper handling of oil waste.
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ANNAPOLIS, MD, April 16, 2024 – Every new boat comes adorned with a plethora of warning labels for just about everything from obvious hazards to what a tow pylon should be used for. With Earth Day coming up April 22, did you know there are labels that can help remind you and your guests to keep our waters clean and ensure you are on the right side of the law?

Boats new or old and 26 feet or greater must have written trash overboard and oil discharge placards “prominently posted” to remind you and your crew what can be thrown overboard and what can’t. A third waste management placard about how garbage is to be collected and stored aboard is required for boats 40-feet or greater. All three are available for just $5 each (or $13 for the set of 3) from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water for at BoatUSFoundation.givingfuel.com/ecommerce. Shipping is included, and purchases support the boating nonprofit’s mission to support clean waters.

“These placard decals can be the reminder you and your crew need when out on the water or working on your boat,” said BoatUS Foundation director of boating safety Ted Sensenbrenner. “Having them aboard in locations where they will be seen says a lot about how you treat the environment.”

The Foundation placards are U.S. Coast Guard-compliant and meet MARPOL requirements in regard to size and materials. They may also meet state anti-littering laws for local waters. Not having the placards displayed on required vessels could result in civil penalties.

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On Earth Day, does your boat “say” what it’s supposed to? @BoatUS Foundation offers required trash, oil, waste placard decals for just $5 each (or $13 for the set of 3) at BoatUSFoundation.givingfuel.com/ecommerce  https://bit.ly/3xyuum5  #cleanwater #cleanwaterways #boatus #earthday #boatsafety #ecofriendlyboating #marinewaste #trashplacards #environmentalprotection #oceanconservation #sustainableboating #protectourwaters #greenboating #ecomarine #cleanseas

About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the nearly 800,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's largest free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses. The Foundation is rated 4 out of 4 stars by Charity Navigator, an independent charity assessment organization.