Southampton Boat Show panel examines hidden pollution from everyday boating

No boat owner sets out to pollute the water. Yet routine boating activities can inadvertently release a cocktail of contaminants into the marine environment, from contaminated bilge water and wash-down water to oil, diesel, microplastics, microfibres and paint particles.

The scale of this largely unseen pollution, and the legislation and liabilities that could apply to leisure boat owners, was examined by a panel of marine, insurance and environmental experts at this year’s Southampton Boat Show.

Paul Gullett, Managing Director of Wave International, joined panel host and chair Peter Wallbank, Technical Director at August Race, alongside insurance experts Mike Wimbridge, Managing Director of Pantaenius UK Ltd, and Alan Wilkins, Managing Director of Mercari Risk Management, for a discussion entitled “Understanding the Global Anti-Pollution Legislation that applies to all Boaters.”

Held at 14.15 on Friday 18 September on the Boating Stage, the panel explored what global anti-pollution legislation, including MARPOL, means for leisure boaters, marina operators and charter companies, as well as the potential implications for insurance, liability and environmental responsibility.

Paul Gullett, Managing Director of Wave International, joined panel host and chair Peter Wallbank, Technical Director at August Race, alongside insurance experts Mike Wimbridge, Managing Director of Pantaenius UK Ltd, and Alan Wilkins, Managing Director of Mercari Risk Management, for a discussion entitled “Understanding the Global Anti-Pollution Legislation that applies to all Boaters.”

Held at 14.15 on Friday 18 September on the Boating Stage, the panel explored what global anti-pollution legislation, including MARPOL, means for leisure boaters, marina operators and charter companies, as well as the potential implications for insurance, liability and environmental responsibility.

The panel considered whether these routine, often inadvertent discharges could create legal, environmental and insurance implications for boat owners, and what responsible boaters and those working in the marine industry can do to reduce their impact. Practical, easy-to-adopt solutions already exist to help boat owners prevent contaminated water from entering the marine environment.