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of clean boating groups throughout California. And in 2004, the California Clean Marina Toolkit, a 125-page educational tool for identifying ways in which marinas can help protect the environment, was sent to every marina in California. The campaign also trains some 500 volunteer “Dockwalkers,” including members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, who conduct face-to-face boater education and distribute boater kits of promotional items and educational materials. In addition, program staffers work to influence the purchasing habits of boaters through the “Shopping Clean and Green” project and constantly promote the environmental message at marine supply stores, boat shows and events. The Clean and Green Boating Campaign, the oldest program of its kind in the country, has become a model for many other states and local governments. The campaign helps boaters and marine businesses across the state become more aware of how they can impact the environment. The Clean Vessel Act In 1992, Congress passed the Clean Vessel Act to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges into U.S. waters. The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program established by this legislation funds the con- struction and maintenance of pumpouts, dump stations and floating restrooms to service pleasure craft. The program also includes an edu- cation component to promote public awareness about proper disposal of boat sewage. California has received over $15.7 million dollars in federal funding to help provide pumpout equipment to boaters throughout the state. To date, Cal Boating has approved grants for over 150 pumpouts, 26 dump stations and more than 200 floating restrooms statewide. In 1999, States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) honored California with the Clean Vessel Act Program Excellence Award. And in 2002, Cal Boating was instrumental in acquiring federal funding for SOBA to conduct performance testing of the CVA program’s pumping equipment. This was the first side-by-side, independent testing of the equipment, and test results helped encourage product improvements for maintenance and longevity.

Dockwalkers receive “Clean and Green” training before they volunteer.

Cal Boating provides grants for vessel sewage pumpout facilities like the one pictured above.

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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007