Marina body gives 'clean' award to Middle Harbour Yacht Club

by Marina Industries Association on 22 Nov 2013 Sydney’s Middle Harbour Yacht Club has today been accredited as a Level 3 ‘International Clean Marina’ and in addition, awarded ‘Fish Friendly’ status by the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

The International Clean Marina Program is a voluntary accreditation system for marinas, yacht clubs, boat clubs, slipways, boat yards and associated industry operators and is administered by the MIA, the peak body representing the marina industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The goal of the program is to reduce ‘non-point source pollution’ associated with boating/marina facilities, and to promote clean water, clean air and thriving marina industry businesses.

The program was initially developed over a two year period in consultation with major city councils in Australia; State Environment/Heritage and EPA agencies, the marina industry and operators of similar Clean Marina programs on the east and west coasts of the USA, the UK, and in continental Europe.

Mr Andrew Chapman, President of the MIA said 'achieving a Level 3 accreditation requires a solid commitment from participating marinas and the rigorous process includes:

** a site inspection assessed against checklist

** Audit of key operational areas including mechanical activities, boat maintenance and storage, fuelling, facility management, workshop: mechanical, shipwright & boat repair; emergency planning & equipment, boater education & extra credits.

** Written report & feedback

The benefits of managing a ‘Clean Marina’ include short and long term cost savings; increased confidence with Government, the community, the neighbours and within the marine, tourism, leisure and recreation sectors and an improvement of environmental conditions.

In addition to this award, the MHYC has also attained ‘Fish Friendly’ status, an initiative developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the MIA and the NSW Boating Industry Association (BIA).

Colin Bransgrove, EO of the MIA said 'marinas can provide important habitats for fish and the program has been developed to inform marina managers how to maximise the benefits for fish and recognise those operators actively working to improve fish habitat. We congratulate Middle Harbour Yacht Club as the fourth marina to be accredited ‘Fish Friendly’ in New South Wales.'

MHYC’s Head of Marine Operations, Alister Copley, said 'We are proud to be the first Club marina in this beautiful part of Sydney to be to be accredited and we are committed to ensuring our Club is of the highest environmental standard through participation in programs such as Clean Marinas. We have fully embraced the opportunity to meet the Fish Friendly criteria.'