…promoting clean green boating
through education

The Boating Clean and Green Campaign, a joint effort of the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and the California Department of Boating and Waterways, is pleased to offer more FREE Dockwalkers Training Workshops.

Below is James Fitzgerald (one of the 2006 Dockwalker West Marine Jacket winners)   Above is Sally Graas, 2005 Dockwalker contest winner of a West Marine Jacket and, below, Marty Rawson, a 2004 contest winner.

Find out about:

• the Dockwalkers Program
• upcoming trainings (updated December 2007)
• ordering boater kits and other materials [PDF]
• how current Dockwalkers can keep track of their outreach
• the 2008 Jacket Giveaway Contest!
• Dockwalking Tips
• Resources for Dockwalkers
   

Dockwalker Jacket Contest Winners
(Jackets donated by West Marine)

2002: Vince Guise, Ingemar Olsson, Deborah Kimbrell
2003: Elving Claes, David Lumian, Javier Martinez
2004: Suzane Carreau, Allison Marshall, Marty Rawson, Timothy E. Patton
2005: Paul Scannell, Sally Graas, Patti Andronico
2006: Cory Weis, Allie Fidler and James Fitzgerald

Several years ago, Save Our Shores in Santa Cruz developed the concept of Dockwalkers and continues its program in the Monterey Bay area The Boating Clean and Green Program adapted the concept and developed a statewide training program with support and assistance from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. In addition, the Campaign partners with local governments and nonprofit organizations in conducting the Dockwalker trainings and distributing boater education materials through Dockwalkers.

How Do I Become a DOCKWALKER?

Contact the California Coastal Commission and the California Department of Boating and Waterway’s Boating Clean and Green Program at (415) 904-6905 or visit www.coast4u.org (click in Boating Clean and Green) to register for a FREE 2 hour training class. The training provides an overview of environmentally-sound boating practices, information about how to conduct Dockwalking, educational materials that Dockwalkers will distribute including boater kits and a video about clean boating in California. Age range is 15 years and up. The program can document community service hours.

What Is a Boater Kit?

The boater kit is a tool used to educate boaters about clean and safe boating. This year, there are two versions of the Boater kits: The State and the Delta Boater Kits. The Delta Boater kits should be distributed in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Solano, Sacramento and Yolo Counties. The Statewide boater kits should be distributed in all areas in California outside of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The kit consists of an organic tote bag, a 2008 tide book, a safety flag, “A Boater’s Guide to Keep Pollutants Out of the Water”, Department of Boating and Waterways pamphlets (ABC’s of the California Boating Law, Clean Boating Habits and Personal Floatation Devices), oil absorbent pillow with reusable zip tie and instructions and more. All boaters can receive a boater kit after completing a brief boater questionnaire. In addition, the Delta Boater kit includes the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Map for Recreational Boaters. The questionnaire will provide the statewide Boating Clean and Green and the Keep the Delta Clean Programs with useful information to identify gaps in environmental services and better target future boater education efforts.

How Can I Order Boater Kits?

During the Dockwalker training class you can take 42 boater kits with you. You are welcome to order more kits once the completed boater questionnaires are returned to the programs. If you are planning to order Delta Boater Kits (to be distributed in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Solano, Sacramento and Yolo Counties), please contact Dan Jordan with the Keep the Delta Clean Program at (925) 313-2023 or djord@pw.cccounty.us If you are planning to order Statewide Boater kits (to be distributed in all areas in California outside of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta), please contact Vivian Matuk at (415) 904-6905) or vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov. Note: You can also order a combination of both the Delta and the statewide boater kits.

What is a Recreational Boater Questionnaire?

All boaters who receive a boater kit during the 2008 boating season must complete a brief and anonymous Recreational Boater Questionnaire (Delta and Statewide Questionnaires). The information is used to improve the Program, better understand boater behavior and identify gaps in terms of safe and clean boating education and services.

What is the West Marine Jacket Contest?

In recognition of the good work and dedication of our clean boating Dockwalkers, West Marine will be donating three gorgeous jackets to the Dockwalker program for the 3 Dockwalkers who return the most number of completed boaters questionnaire. After finishing your Dockwalking activities, collect all the boater questionnaires and return them to us. You will have until October 27, 2008 to return all the completed questionnaires.

Where Can I DOCKWALK?

You can conduct Dockwalking visits on your own at marinas, boat launch ramps and fuel docks. You can also participate at local boating events such as boat shows, fishing derbies, poker runs, fairs and other boating events. Also, find out about local events and festivals by contacting local boating publications, marina operators, yacht clubs, among others.

The Boating Clean and Green Campaign will conduct training anywhere in California outside of the training area covered by Save Our Shores. Currently, Save Our Shores conducts Dockwalkers training in the counties of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Mateo.

Take advantage of this great offer…contact:

Vivian Matuk
California Coastal Commission/California Department of Boating and Waterways
45 Fremont Street
Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105-2219

(415) 904-6905
vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov