Whether you’re a long-time liveaboard or a weekend cruiser, we all share one thing: a love for Washington’s emerald waters. But as any boater knows, maintaining that beauty requires more than just luck—it takes a commitment to "leaving a healthy wake."
That is where Clean Marina Washington comes in.
Founded in 2005, Clean Marina Washington is a voluntary, incentive-based certification program that helps marina operators and boaters work together to protect our coastal water quality. Managed by Washington Sea Grant and supported by a coalition of partners (including Puget Soundkeeper and the WA Department of Ecology), the program has spent nearly 20 years turning environmental stewardship into a badge of honor.
What is a "Clean Marina"?
When you see the Clean Marina flag flying at a dock, it’s not just for show. It means that facility has undergone a rigorous self-audit and site visit to ensure they are going above and beyond basic regulations.
To earn the certification, marinas implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) that include:
Spill Prevention: Training staff and providing boaters with spill kits to ensure not a single drop of oil hits the water.
Hazardous Waste Management: Proper disposal systems for paints, solvents, and batteries.
Sewage Handling: Promoting "Pump Out, Don't Dump Out" policies to protect shellfish beds and swimming beaches.
Debris Control: Regular maintenance to keep plastics and marine debris out of our ecosystems.
Why It Matters for Boaters
You don’t have to own a marina to participate. As boaters, our daily habits have a massive cumulative impact on the 50,000+ vessels moored in Puget Sound alone. By choosing to moor at a certified Clean Marina, you are supporting businesses that prioritize the health of the sound.
How you can help "Leave a Healthy Wake":
Watch Your Wash: Use plain water for cleaning whenever possible. If you must use soap, choose phosphate-free, biodegradable products and use them sparingly.
Mind the Bilge: Use oil-absorbent pads in your bilge to catch drips before they are pumped overboard.
Fuel With Care: Only fill your tank to 90% to allow for expansion and prevent fuel from venting into the water.
No-Discharge Zone: Remember that Puget Sound is a No-Discharge Zone. Always use onshore restrooms or a pump-out station for vessel sewage.
Look for the Flag
Currently, there are dozens of certified marinas across Washington—from the Port of Anacortes to the marinas of Lake Union—all committed to a cleaner future.
The next time you’re planning a trip or looking for a permanent slip, check the Clean Marina Washington directory. Supporting these facilities ensures that our kids and grandkids will have the same pristine waters to explore that we enjoy today.
Ready to get involved? Whether you are a marina manager looking to get certified or a boater looking for a free spill kit, visit cleanmarinawashington.org to learn more.
Let’s keep Washington’s waters blue, one slip at a time.
