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BLUE FLAG FOR BOATS
The Blue Flag for boats, in the form of a diploma, together with a small blue flag, is granted to leisure boat owners and/or users as recognition of their responsible behaviour and commitment to respect, publicise and ensure respect for the Blue Flag environmental code of conduct at sea and in port.
We will now explain the content of the Blue Flag diploma for boats. If you are prepared to commit yourself to the conduct it includes, go to the Harbourmaster’s Office to formalise the presentation of the diploma and to pass on your details to FEE, so it can confirm the agreement:
As a boat owner and user who loves the sea, I use its resources and I want to contribute to its protection, so I wish to take part in the Blue Flag Campaign aimed at Boats and Ports. I know and share the objectives and I by signing this document I make the following personal commitment:
I WILL MAKE AN EFFORT TO COMPLY WITH MARINE LEGISLATION, TO ACT RESPONSIBLY WITHOUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO MARINE SYSTEMS OR TO OTHER SEA USERS RIGHTS AND TO RESPECT AND PUBLICISE THE BLUE FLAG CODE FOR CONDUCT AT SEA:
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I will make responsible use of radio and navigation instruments, not putting the safety of people and/or boats at risk, warning, if necessary, of floating or dangerous objects, and showing solidarity in complying with the duty of assistance at sea.
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I will try to find out and obtain information about the location and characteristics of sensitive and scientifically important areas, as well as natural reserves and protected ecosystems, in order to avoid accidental damage being caused to them.
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I will actively uphold the conservation of life at sea. I will respect protected areas, marine mammals and other protected species and I will not disturb bird nesting areas. I will not use prohibited fishing or shellfish collection equipment, I will respect closed season periods and I will not catch or eat young or immature examples.
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I will not damage the sea bed by anchoring in sensitive areas or where I could interfere with the activities or equipment of fishermen or shellfish catchers. I will respect the rules concerning diving and undersea fishing.
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I will not buy or use objects made with protected species (coral, hawksbill sea turtles, etc.) or from shipwrecks or underwater archaeological sites (especially ships sunk decades ago) or underwater archaeological remains if their origin or legality cannot be proven.
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I will keep the sea, the beach and the port clean:
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I will not throw any plastic material or other type of rubbish in the sea or on the beach.
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I will not discharge or release harmful or toxic liquids or any other damaging substance in the sea.
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I will promote and use selective collection/recycling of solid waste in port.
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In boat maintenance tasks, wherever possible I will use green products, such as paints, varnishes, antifouling treatments, strippers, solvents, detergents, etc., that are not aggressive towards the environment. I will dispose of the remains of paints, varnishes and boat oils in the appropriate containers in port for polluting wastes, promoting their recycling or special treatment different from that for other rubbish or waste water. I will use the port’s facilities for extracting water from the bilges and, if necessary, sealed WCs.
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I will report any breach of marine legislation that comes to my knowledge to the competent authorities, particularly accidents and pollution from fuels or other chemical substances originating on land or proceeding from discharges or leaks, as well as the use of illegal fishing gear.
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I will contribute towards the responsible environmental management of the port where I am moored, either regularly or occasionally, in relation to Blue Flag criteria, in accordance with coastal and environmental legislation, water and energy saving, selective rubbish collection, information, education and the environmental training of technical staff and port users, the implementation of environmental management systems, etc.
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I will try to extrapolate this environmentally respectful behaviour in the marine world into my everyday life, at home and at work, and I will encourage the social community with which I have relations to be environmentally responsible. I will also take part in social or institutional initiatives promoting research, conservation and sustainable development of the coast.
HOISTING THIS BLUE FLAG ON A BOAT ACCREDITS THE BEHAVIOUR OF ITS SKIPPER AS A PROTECTOR OF LIFE AT SEA AND A STIMULUS FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES ON BOARD, IN PORT AND AMONG OTHER USERS.
Badalona, on the ..... of ....., 20...
For ADEAC, the organisation responsible for the Blue Flag Campaign in Spain.
For Badalona Port.
For the boat skipper/user
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