We consider taking a charter holiday because of the allure of the oceans and all they hold. Bearing this in mind, it becomes important to consider the impact of ‘chartering’ on the very source required for this incredible experience – those same oceans.

Did you know that it takes almost 5 years for one cigarette butt to biodegrade & the micro fibres stick around much much longer? So long after you have had your fun in paradise, the butt keeps hanging around.

Who doesn’t want to find a little turtle to swim along with, or a shoal of brightly coloured reef fish to enjoy?  

but we need to keep it that way!

On my diving and snorkelling escapades, I have to say that there is nothing worse than coming face to face with plastic bottles, old shopping bags and other peoples rubbish - except certainly when these have become attached to some marine animal, which is by far worse to see. Remember that even though you're on holiday plastic IS NOT FANTASTIC. Do your bit and pick up 3 pieces a day to keep our beaches healthy. 

Something only just getting into the world right now, is the effects of Sunscreen on marine environments. Have you noticed when you’ve got sunscreen on your hands and you put them in the water, there’s a rainbow-ish oily stuff that comes off? Well, this is super bad for the ocean. The oils & chemicals used to make most sunscreens are made of chemicals that harm the delicate nature of marine eco-systems by breaking down the bacterias in the water that keep micro-organisms like plankton alive. Without plankton the reefs & fishes have nothing to eat… To keep your fishes happy and the reefs beautiful make the switch to “ocean-friendly sunscreen” or double check the brand you already use. 

Top tips to keep it conscious onboard: 

• Pack a roll of nice strong dustbin bags in your luggage just in case you cant buy some there.

• Use the anchor locker, empty forepeak cabin or locker as a rubbish store – so bags cant accidentally fall over the side – and empty these onto shore as often as you can

• Make sure every guest knows that NOTHING goes over the side, from the outset

• Use environmentally friendly shampoos and make getting clean FUN – by washing off the back of the boat in the ocean, then a fresh water rinse when you are back on deck

• Be careful of fuel spillage when filling the boat and the tender

• Always secure things firmly to the guard rail if hanging out to dry – best to take along a pack of strong WOODEN pegs (again just incase you cant get when you arrive)

• Glass and boats are a bad combination but if you do use plastic bottles, make them reusable and never leave bottles lying around - for that one gust of wind that will toss it over the side. Alternatively bring your reusable metal bottle from home, and refill it as you go.

• Remember to bring along your reusable shopping bags/tote bags & produce bags for grocery shopping.

How long till it's gone?

Aluminium can – 200 years

Tin can – 50 years

Disposable nappy – 450 years

Plastic bottle – 450 years

Styrofoam – 50 years

Plastic shopping bag – 20 years

Ballon or latex – NEVER

Fishing line – 600 years

Be aware, be conscious of the things your guests or kids might do – it is certainly not the same as living in a house or hotel and therefore things have to be adapted accordingly when on board your boat and it is all pretty logical.

It's not all bad news!

2018 has seen a HUGE leap in eco-awareness around the world. The step away from single-use plastic has been felt in all aspects of life, from personal hygiene, to single use shopping bags & drinking straws. The more people acknowledge that "straws suck" and they keep "binning their butts" the happier our oceans can be. 

Many South African businesses have banned straws and even more have made the switch to bio-degradable or compostable packaging. Let’s spread the joy & eco-pride of our home wherever we go. 

The Two Oceans Aquarium have always been huge ambassadors for our oceans and have been spreading the word of sustainability for years and years. They often run Beach cleanups around Cape town. Next time you're in the area, join us!

Or you can make your PLEDGE TO THE OCEAN by following this link.

For some more tips check out our other blog Charter with an Ocean-Mind