The 2024 California Boater Kit Questionnaire Report

The California Boating Clean and Green Program (BCGP)1 and The Bay Foundation (TBF)2 have been collaborating since 2001 to implement several programs including the California Dockwalker Program. Dockwalkers are partners who inspire and educate boaters and other recreators about safe and environmentally sound boating practices. Dockwalkers distribute California Boater Kits (Kit/Kits), which include educational materials and pollution prevention materials, while visiting marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows, and events. The California Boater Kit is the main outreach tool for Dockwalkers and Partners. The Kit targets best management pollution prevention practices related to the following pollutants: oil, sewage, marine debris, household hazardous waste, and toxic wastewater. The Kit highlights local environmental services such as sewage pumpouts, used oil and oil filter recycling facilities, and County household hazardous waste collection centers. The Kit and its components are specifically designed to prompt boaters to take action and implement at least one of the Program’s recommended best management practices. Boaters receive a Kit after completing a brief Boater Kit Questionnaire (Questionnaire) which also includes a pledge. This Questionnaire helps to identify gaps in environmental knowledge and better target future education efforts. In addition, the Questionnaire helps us to identify and map where boaters reside who have been engaged by Dockwalkers.