From narrowboat liveaboards to dinghy and yacht sailors, to personal watercraft owners and motor cruisers, The Green Blue Boating Pledge is a new way for all boat users to show their commitment to protecting and respecting the environment.

The Green Blue Boating Pledge, launched yesterday at the Southampton International Boat Show, has been created for boat users to actively declare their commitment to following sustainable boating practices. The Green Blue hope the Pledge will help raise awareness of important environmental issues, such as water pollution, and will inspire boat users to learn more about what they can do to lower their impact whilst on the water.

There are fifteen Pledge points focused around the strapline, ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy.’ Each of the points have been selected as playing a positive role in the well-being of surrounding habitats and wildlife, these range from ‘Choosing your anchorage with care,’ to ‘Using eco-friendly products,’ and ‘Minimising your wash.’

Boat users can sign-up online to join the Pledge via The Green Blue website and will receive a Pledge certificate and a metal pin badge.

Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaign Manager, said: “We’re really proud to be launching The Green Blue Boating Pledge at the Southampton International Boat Show. We really wanted to create a Pledge which encompassed the range of sustainable actions and behaviours that boaters can implement, whether they’re sailing on inland waterways or at the coast, and I’m pleased that we have been able to achieve that. 

“The aim of the Pledge is to provide boat users with simple, practical guidelines which they can follow and hopefully inspire other boaters to join. We’ve already had sign-ups from several big names in the boating world, including our Patron, Mike Golding.”

Kate was joined on the Foredeck Stage for the official launch by Mike Golding OBE, RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe and British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson. The Pledge has already attracted interest from young dinghy sailors to experienced liveaboards and professional sailors. Some of the first people to make the Pledge were also welcomed onto the stage to collect their certificates and badge.

Image: Emily Whiting

Accomplished award-winning sailor and Patron of The Green Blue, Mike Golding OBE, commented: “The Green Blue Pledge, which is supported by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine, provides simple guidelines that help us respect and care for both the marine and inland environment we enjoy – how could any self-respecting boat user not sign up?”

If you are visiting the Southampton International Boat Show (16 – 25 September) you can make the Pledge at The Green Blue stand in Ocean Hall (stand J202). Alternatively, you can join The Green Boating Pledge by visiting The Green Blue website: thegreenblue.org.uk. Follow #GoGreenOnTheBlue.

The Green Blue will be at the Southampton International Boat Show until 25 September. Throughout the remainder of the Show, you can catch The Green Blue delivering educational talks on the Foredeck Stage, showcasing environmentally friendly products on their stand and answering questions on all topics related to sustainable boating.

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