How do boats pollute water?

Question

Besides from dumping their waste tanks into the oceans is their any other ways? I'm doing a project and i can't find that nifo on the internet or in books.

Thanks

Answer 1

Some times the engine leaks oil or fuel

Answer 2

#1 - Engine Exhaust - There are currently no Federal regulations limiting the exhaust that boats emit, unlike cars which may have to be smogged.  Many boats have underwater exhaust, so the exhaust gasses are being emitted into the water.  If the engine is running rich, it may be putting raw, unburned fuel into the water.  Even if it's running correctly, it's still going to be putting carbon monoxide into the water.  You also have to keep in mind that boats burn an enormous amount of fuel when compared to cars.  On mine, which is a 34' sportfisher with twin Chevy 350 engines; I get roughly 3/4 mile to the gallon.  Very economical boats get 2-3 miles per gallon.

Yes, spills and dumping waste overboard are a problem - but those are rare compared to the pollution caused by simply running the engines.

Answer 3

Apart from spills and discharge of sewage or tank cleaning people throw plastics etc over the side. Another major polluting effect from boats is the antifouling paints that stop weed and barnacles growing on the bottom of the boat.  These contain heavy metals and biocides which build up in areas such as harbours and marinas.  Many antifouling paints have been banned over the last few years due to environmental concerns.  Some of them contain chemicals called Tributyltin (i think) and these are the worst.

Answer 4

Motor boats can have leaks.

Answer 5

The most common pollution is leaking (or worse yet dumping) oil and fuel; although it's pretty common for people to take a leak off the side of a boat, that doesn't have much of an effect.