Environmental Awareness

At Mid and East Antrim Harbours and Marinas our aim is to protect and improve the environment by integrating it with policies within our business. These notes are designated to raise awareness of environmental issues and to inform you how our initiatives help reduce the impact on our environment.

We urge you to care for your environment too.

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Carriage and Storage of Fuel

The fuelling of craft within a marina or harbour can be a potentially dangerous activity. It is essential that the following guidelines are used for the carriage and storage of fuel:-

1. All diesel fuelling must take place at the designated fuel berth.

2. Only British Standard containers can be used for the carriage and storage of petrol.

3. Maximum capacity for approved plastic containers 5 litres (1.1 gallons).

4. Maximum capacity for approved metal containers is 9 litres (2 gallons).

• Emergency Pump

An emergency pump is available in Carrickfergus and Glenarm should you experience any difficulties with taking on water.

• Enviro-ceptor

An Enviro-ceptor is located in the boatyard area at Carrickfergus Marina. It is a containment receptacle and collects all anti-fouling and power washing residues.

• Pest Control

Pest-resistant bins are positioned throughout our marinas and harbours sites. To keep our environment as pest-free as possible, please ensure all waste is deposited in the appropriate waste receptacles.

• Service Berth

To reduce the risk of oil pollution within our marinas and harbours, we would request that activities such as oil changes take place at designated berths.

• Spillages

One of the main problems encountered within marinas and harbours is fuel and/or black water spillages into the water. Black water is the dirty water pumped from bilges which can contain traces of oil or fuel. Please take extreme care to avoid such spillages.

• General & Hazardous Waste

All our sites have adequate waste disposal facilities and recycling points. Please ensure all waste is deposited in the appropriate waste receptacles.

• Toilet Waste

It is prohibited to pump toilet waste into our harbours or marinas. A pump out facility is available at Carrickfergus Marina for emptying toilet waste.

Our Standards

Our harbours and marinas strive to maintain the highest standards, as we incorporate the guidelines of the British Marine Federation’s Environmental Code of Practice into our business. The following awards have been attained through external accreditation as a result of these environmental endeavours.

In May 2002 Carrickfergus Marina and Harbour was validated as a world class destination by The Yacht Harbour Association. The criteria for this prestigious award acknowledges the delivery of the highest standards within a safe and healthy environment. A marina audit is carried out across six evaluation categories and an on-site assessment is carried out by a Gold Anchor Assessor.

Port Waste Management Plan

The Port Waste Management Plan is a legislative requirement on marinas and ports to provide a pro-active waste management system. Its aim is to reduce the dumping of waste at sea and to protect the marine environment. This plan is approved and validated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency by inspection on an annual basis.

Blue Flag Award

In May 2019 Carrickfergus Marina was awarded the ‘Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’ Blue Flag Award for its excellence in facilities, environmental management and water quality. In May 2020 Blue Flag was also awarded at our Marinas in Glenarm and Portglenone. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-label programmes for Beaches and Marinas. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to minimising the impact of its activities on the environment and will continue to work with external organisations to create a more sustainable environment.

Local Partnerships and Clubs

We are committed to working in partnership with clubs and organisations to support them in their activities which will benefit the health and wellbeing of our borough.

Maritime clubs and organisations in Mid and East Antrim Borough include:

• Belfast Lough Sailability

• MGM Boats

• Sea Cadets

• Carrickfergus Sailing Club

• Carrick Marina Berth Holders Association

• County Antrim Yacht Club

• Whitehead Coastal Rowing Club

• Glenarm Marina Berth Holders Association

• Cairndhu Rowing Club

• Cove Rowing Club

• Carnlough Rowing Club

• Glenarm Rowing Club

• East Antrim Boat Club

• Islandmagee Boat Club

• Blue Circle/Magheramorne Boat Club

Useful Contacts

Sailing Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Newtownards Office 028 9182 7154

Maritime & Coastguard Agency Bangor Office 028 9147 5300

HM Customs Belfast Office 0300 200 3700

Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre Carrickfergus Castle Marine Highway 028 9335 1273 visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Ballymena Visitor Information Centre The Braid Museum & Arts Centre 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena 028 2563 5010 tic.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Glenarm Visitor Centre 17 New Road Glenarm 028 2884 1087 info@glenarmtourism.org

Tourism

We can provide you with visitor itineraries, local information and recommendations so please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team if you have a specific enquiry. Visit Belfast Belfast Office 028 9024 6609

Translink Belfast Office 028 9066 6630