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While sailing, pollutants like sewage, fuel or soaps can end up in the sea. Take care to minimize contamination when refuelling and emptying bilges.  Filling up the tank is the principal way we unintentionally pollute our waters – even a few drops of fuel are toxic for the sea, harming both animals and plants.

Discharging blackwater (sewage) and grey water (wastewater from sinks, showers, etc.) carefully is essential for protecting Greece’s marine ecosystems and the health of everyone interacting with the sea. Foul smells in harbours and raw sewage washing up on beaches is one of the main complaints local communities have of visiting sailing boats!

In Greece, all charter boats must be fitted with holding tanks for blackwater, so you can use the toilet facilities at any time, but as the tanks are small they will need to be emptied during your voyage.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Where available, use pump-out facilities.
• Only empty your holding tank when you are in open sea and deep water far from shore.
• Keep the holding tank closed when at anchor and moored up in a harbour. Note that marinas and harbours in Greece have a no-discharge policy, so you will be fined if you are found to be polluting.
• Use shoreside and marina facilities for laundry and dishwashing – many tavernas on small islands will also have facilities you can use.
• Fill the fuel tank slowly and listen for a change in tone as it gets full. Fill to no more than 90% capacity to allow for expansion due to heat.
• Take extra care with portable fuel cans (jerry cans).
• If you have a spill, notify the marina or your company rep immediately.

Use eco-friendly products

Use biodegradable and marine-friendly sunscreen, shampoos and cleaning products.

Marine life can be damaged by products such as suncreams, especially ones containing harmful ingredients, as they can be toxic when they wash off in the sea.  They also contribute to coral bleaching, damage coral larvae and disrupt the development of fish. Chemicals from cleaning products will also pollute the sea.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Use sunscreens labelled as being ‘marine safe’ (or equivalent) and ensure they do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. There are several brands available in Greece that are using cleaner ingredients and formulas, labelled as ‘marine safe’, ‘clean ocean’, ‘reef friendly’ and so on.
• Apply suncream at least 30 minutes before you go into the sea, as it is less likely to wash off, or wear sun-protection clothing such as a rash vest.
• Buy (or ask your charter company) ‘marine safe’ washing up liquid and other cleaning products to use on board that do not have phosphates in them and can safely biodegrade.
• Use shoreside and marina facilities for showering – many tavernas on small islands will also have facilities you can use.