Ship Repairer Liability: Engine Repair Pollution

Environmental Liabilities of Ship Repairs > Engine Pollutants

In our last post, we covered some of the main factors that contribute to ship repairer liabilities, many of which stem from environmental pollutants. From solvents to paints and oils, there are numerous substances that can leak into the surrounding marinas and cause ecosystem upsets. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to prevent pollutants from seeping into the water during engine repair. To fully protect their operation, remind your clients that they need to carry a Ship Repairer Insurance program.
 

Employee training.

Employees cannot prevent pollution if they don’t know what procedures to follow. One of the most effective pollution prevention methods is to train employees on the right ways to handle and dispose of harmful materials. According to Michigan’s Environmental Assistance Division, develop an employee education program focusing on pollution prevention techniques. Ensure that employees are aware of the company’s position on best management practices with an emphasis on general housekeeping procedures that are economically and environmentally sound.
 

Hazardous material elimination.

Working on boats inherently exposes the workers and the environment to hazardous materials. In addition to training employees on the best ways to handle these materials, proper disposal is also a priority. Antifreeze, solvents, oils, bilge water and more are common culprits during engine repair. Employees should be adequately trained on separating used and new oils, understand that they should never pour these materials down a commercial drain, and learn to label hazardous materials appropriately for proper disposal.
 

Take it out of the water.

Whenever possible, repair engines outside of the water. In-marina cleaning exposes the surrounding water to the above-mentioned chemicals, causing pollution and ecosystem disturbances.
 

About Merrimac Marine Insurance, LLC

At Merrimac Marine Insurance, LLC, we understand the broad scope of risks involved with operating a ship repair facility. We specialize in providing solutions for the marine industry to protect your clients’ assets, property, and business. For more information about our offerings, contact us today at 888.344.1687.