Oyster Cove is Tasmania's first clean marina

Oyster Cove Marina in Tasmania has been presented with International Clean Marina Level 3 Accreditation, making it the first marina in Tasmania to achieve this marina-industry status.  

The recently upgraded 240-berth marina incorporates extensive on-site services including a chandlery, boat sales agent, sail maker, shipwrights, 50 tonne travel lift, hardstand area for boat maintenance, spray sheds, 24-hour refuelling wharf and the marina office as well as visitor berthing on the eastern-most arm of the marina.

Originally established in 1983, the marina is located in Little Oyster Cove, Kettering, which is 34km south of Hobart and in the centre of the one of best cruising areas in Australia, the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

The Marina Industry Association (MIA) award presentation was held during the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival at Hobart’s historic waterfront from February 10-13.

The International Clean Marina environmental program is administered by the MIA, which says Level 3 accreditation requires a solid commitment to environmental best practice.

MIA says the rigorous process includes a site inspection assessed against a 103-point checklist.

It is our understanding that the site audit of key operational areas includes inspections of mechanical activities, boat maintenance and storage, fuelling, facility management, workshop, mechanical, shipwright and boat repair, emergency planning and equipment and boater education.

A written report with detailed feedback is provided to the marina. Hobart-based Environmental Consultancy, Elgin Associates, was the auditor in the Oyster Cove Marina accreditation.

Oyster Cove Marina’s owner, Phil Boustead said the achievement of Clean Marina accreditation was another important step in demonstrating Oyster Cove Marina’s commitment to environmental best practice.

“The Clean Marinas program provides us with specific criteria to assess the environmental performance of our marina operations and complements our environmental policies, plans and operations.”

John Brand, Marina Manager, was proud that Oyster Cove was recognised as the first Clean Marina in Tasmania under the MIA program.

“Being able to fly the Clean Marina flag is an important signal that we are committed to high environmental standards and will further encourage us to continually improve our operations and environmental performance.”    

There are now 70 marinas across Australia and overseas committed to environmental best practice under this program, the MIA says, adding that its challenge is to continually increase the number of marinas committed to achieving Clean Marinas status.

More at Clean Marinas Program.