ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE
Introduction
The Environmental Code of Practice has been developed by the
British Marine Federation (BMF) in partnership with the Royal
Yachting Association (RYA). The code is aimed at providing the
legal framework and good practice advice for BMF members and RYA
affiliated clubs and training centres. The Environment Agency has
been instrumental in providing support and advice on their
statutory legislative requirements, and also in supporting good
practice and advice to members. This code is based on the original
BMF Environmental Code of Practice first published in 1997 and
revised in 2000 and 2006. It is the nature of the changing
legislative requirements and increasing number of Directives from
Europe that necessitates this further revision.
The Code is supported by a series of case studies,
illustrating best practice. These case studies ensure that the Code
is interactive and offers practical support to members.
Policy Framework
UK environmental policy is underpinned by the concept of
sustainable development.
The UK’s sustainable development strategy A Better Quality of Life
published in May 1999 defines sustainable development in terms of
four objectives:
- Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and
employment
- Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
- Effective protection of the environment
- Prudent use of natural resources
This means that policy encompasses social and environmental
objectives as well as economic development. A widely recognised
definition looks at not only this generations needs, but also
safeguards those of the future. Similarly, the ‘polluter pays’
principle is central to environmental policy. This means that an
organisation is held responsible for the costs of its activities.
For example, a company would be expected to pay for the costs of
cleaning up an oil-spill. Marine businesses, including clubs and
training centres, should be aware that government policy reflects
these objectives, and implements them through the use of economic
incentives and/or regulatory methods. There are also developments
emerging from Europe on environmental liability. This area is
likely to expand over the next few years.
Sustainability is core to the BMF’s Business Plan and through
their Environment & Boating Facilities Service they provide
information and practical advice to BMF member companies to help
improve their environmental performance and comply with
environmental legislation, nationally and from Europe. The
Environmental Code of Practice has always been an integral part of
this advice to members.
BMF recognises the role the marine industries have in helping to
achieve sustainable development and acknowledges its role in
supporting members in achieving this. The Code of Practice
highlights a number of areas where companies can benefit from
sustainable practice and new opportunities in terms of products and
demand.
How to use the Code of Practice
This Code is voluntary and organisations should feel free
to follow the advice at their own discretion. However, the code
does identify certain legal requirements which are statutory and
must be complied with. The Code has been written with the
Environment Agency to ensure agreement on the advice given.
The Code has been written to meet the requirements of all marine
companies, clubs and training centres, by giving an outline of
statutory requirements where they exist and a range of advice from
basic action points to the implementation of pollution prevention
schemes which involve capital investment.
In certain areas it has not been possible to give definitive
advice. This is due to the uncertainty of the relative
environmental performance of many materials and much will also
depend on the purpose for which the material is being used. In such
instances, this Code acts as a signposting service by providing
advice on where members can obtain further information.
Scope of the Code
This Code of Practice is designed to cover the everyday
operations and activities of marine companies and organisations. It
is intended to be as comprehensive as possible, but due to the
diverse nature of the sector it may not cover every single activity
and operation.
Health and safety issues are largely outside the remit of this
Code. BMF’s Technical Department is better placed to provide
information on health and safety guidance. BMF members should
contact the Technical department directly on technical@britishmarine.co.uk
or refer to its handbook. Clubs and training centres should contact
the RYA’s
legal department for advice on health and safety issues.