The Maryland Department of Natural Resources' exciting Clean Marina Initiative offers marina and boatyard operators, and recreational boaters the opportunity to participate in efforts to protect Maryland's natural resources.

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs of any size that meet legal requirements and voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practice​s. The department has certified nearly 25 percent of Maryland’s estimated 600 marinas as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners and we aim to continue increasing this number moving forward.

Boaters are encouraged to patronize certified Clean Marinas and to adopt clean boating habits. ​The collective effort of individuals and businesses will improve the quality of Maryland's waters from Deep Creek Lake, to the Chesapeake Bay, to the coastal bays!​​

Resources For Marine Facilities

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• ​​ Shrinkwrap Reduction and Recycling Program​
  
• "Clean Marina Partner" Designation for Small Facilities
• Clean Marina Programs in Other States
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Guidelines for Use of the Maryland Clean Marina Logo​
• Help with the General Permit for Discharges From Marinas​
• Marina Clean Up Day for Trash Free Seas
• ​Maryland Clean Marina Award Checklist - A tool for both self evaluation and for Clean Marina Program staff to evaluate facilities for the Clean Marina Award.
• Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook - Offers "best management practices" and explanations of laws and regulations. Marine facilities in Maryland can request a hard copy of this or any item.
• Maryland Clean Marina Pledge - The first step towards certification. Sign up today!
• Severe Weather Preparation and Resiliency Tools
• Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan Assistance​
• Steps to Becoming a Clean Marina

Resources for Boaters

• Maryland Clean Boater Pledge Program
• Choose Certified Clean Marinas from this list and support their efforts! Like all businesses, marinas and boatyards respond to demands of their customers.
• Clean Boating Tips - Recommendations on fueling, sewage handling, maintenance, cleaning, and more!
• The Importance of Pumpout Stations
• Pumpout Station Locations in Maryland
• Chesapeake Bay Safety and Environmental Hotline 877-224-7229 - Call this number to report problems on State waters.
• Clean Boating Act
  
• Think Before You Shrink! Alternatives to Plastic Shrinkwrap

Resources for Professional Divers

• Background and Studies on Impacts of Underwater Hull Cleaning​
• Best Practices for Underwater Hull Cleaning by Divers in Maryland
• Recyclers for Sacrificial Anodes/Zincs
• The Maryland Clean Diver Pledge

Sign the Maryland Clean Diver Pledge to demonstrate your commitment to using best practices when working in Maryland waters.

Resources for Boating Instructors

• "Clean Boating Lesson Plan"​ - Short PowerPoint Presentations that fit easily into other classes. Help instruct boaters on Clean Boating Habits!

For information on the program or to seek certification, please contact Donna Morrow at donna.morrow@maryland.gov​