Liveaboard Code of Ethics

Note: This is a living document and is open to change and interpretation. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to provide a guideline/standard for liveaboards, to help create or improve a good working relationship with marinas and marine facilities and to create harmony between liveaboard communities and land-based communities.

Social Conduct

General

  • Be considerate regarding the concerns of your neighbours. The Golden Rule applies, both on land and sea!
  • Strive to resolve conflicts in a calm, responsible, and reasonable manner. ‘Don’t get furious ? be curious!’

Noise
Noise travels well on the water and our neighbors are close by. Please be aware of:

  •  Running generators or engines while moored or at a dock only during reasonable hours.
  • Festive gatherings and loud music.
  • Slapping halyards, flappy tarps, and other items in the wind/waves.
  • Heating systems such as Espar-type units (orient your boat so the sound is minimized).
  • Power tools and other repair equipment.

Pets

  •  Pet owners are responsible for controlling the behavior of their pet(s) and cleaning up after them in a timely way and manner.
  •  Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are reasonably quiet.
  •  Rules and regulations specific to pets at a marina, private property, or parkland should be observed and adhered to.

 Safety and Security
Most sea-faring folk naturally look out for each other. Please consider the following:

  •  Keep an eye and ear out for odd things or anyone in distress.  Specifically, people in the water, fires, accidents, etc…
  • Observe unusual activity and engage those who don’t seem to belong in the neighborhood. We are a trusting kind and thieves know it.
  • Danger/Doubt. The horn signal is 5 short blasts. Call 911 in case of emergency and issue five (5) short blasts on your horn to notify your neighbours – keep your horns close at hand.

On The Water

  • Adhere to the boating safety rules set out by Transport Canada (www.boatingsafety.gc.ca).

Environmental Responsibility
Some of this information is provided by the Georgia Strait Alliance. More information can be found at GeorgiaStrait.org/greenboating.

  •  Manage Sewage Responsibility by using pump-out services. Where no pump-outs are available, only dump as permitted by regulation, and dump responsibly away from anchorages, sensitive areas, shellfish beds, and swimmers.
  • Reduce grey-water discharge and use only products with all natural ingredients whenever possible.
  • Take care when fuelling: avoid topping up your tank, and use oil absorbent rags and other devices to make sure no fuel goes into the water.
  • Use bilge filters or bilge pads to absorb oil and fuel so none gets pumped overboard accidentally.
  • Maintain your boat, using environmentally responsible products and/or alternatives.
  • Use ’hard‘ bottom paint or eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Haul out at responsible boat yards that have containment policies and equipment so sanding residue and scrapings don’t end up in the water.
  • Dispose of all garbage and organic waste properly.
  • Use environmentally friendly energy supplies when you can (wind, solar, human power).
  • Anchor responsibly and avoid sensitive environments if at all possible.
  • Help other boaters become aware by role-modeling and education.
  • Please report all spills to 1-800-OILS-911.

General Responsibility

  • Liveaboard vessels should be well-maintained and in a seaworthy condition, with a functioning engine, and capable of putting to sea at short notice at any time.
  • A reasonable amount of effort to keep the boat looking tidy and free of rubbish and debris.
  • When possible or applicable, vessels should be insured on a fully comprehensive basis.

Additions and Edits

Please submit all additions or edits to feedback@bcnr.org.

(version 5)