BOATING

HULL CLEANING

In 2018, Los Angeles County passed an ordinance that requires commercial and private in-water hull cleaners to use best management practices (BMPs) for all in-water hull cleaning activities in Marina del Rey Harbor. In-water hull cleaning activities have been identified as a leading source of copper pollution in the harbor. Using BMPs during in-water hull cleaning has been shown to dramatically reduce contaminant loading of pollutants such as copper to the water column and sediment from boat hull paints.

Click here for an informational flyer on the ordinance requirements for boaters and hull cleaners.

Ordinance Highlights

• BMP Certification is required for all persons performing in-water hull cleaning
• Hull cleaning resulting in a visible paint plume is prohibited
• All persons conducting in-water hull cleaning in Marina del Rey Harbor are required to have a Commercial Service ID issued by the Harbor Master
• Penalties: First 2 violations = infraction with a fine of up to $250. 3^rd violation = misdemeanor.

Click here to read the ordinance.

Hull Cleaning Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The main objective of implementing BMPs is to eliminate pollution generated during in-water hull cleaning operations. Additional benefits of BMPs may include improving vessel performance, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and extending the life of bottom paints.

BMPs for in-water hull cleaning were initially developed under the Sea Grant Program in 1990 by the California Professional Divers Association (CPDA). The BMPs have since been further developed to specifically address copper impaired waters and several studies have shown that the use of BMPs during in-water hull cleaning reduces copper loading significantly.

Click here for an informational flyer on in-water hull cleaning BMPs.

Click here for more information on the County’s copper pollution reduction programs.

How to Obtain Hull Cleaning BMP Training & Certification

• Training/Certification. Hull cleaners must attend an In-water Hull Cleaning BMP training offered by a qualified trainer whose content has been reviewed and approved by Beaches and Harbors. Upon completion, the trainer will provide a completion certificate, which can be used as proof of BMP certification when obtaining or updating the Commercial Service ID from the Harbor Master. Currently, CPDA is the only organization whose content has been reviewed and is approved by Beaches and Harbors for In-water Hull Cleaning BMP Training for LA County harbors.
• Re-certification. BMP certification is valid for four (4) years from the date of completion. Proof of re-certification is required every four years.
• Future Trainings. Details about future trainings offered by Beaches and Harbors will be posted here. Please complete the form at the bottom of this page if you would like to receive notifications about future training opportunities.

The Department of Beaches and Harbors, in association with the California Professional Diver’s Association, hosted a free Hull Cleaning BMP training on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Burton W. Chace Park Community Center. More than 45 divers from Marina del Rey and surrounding areas attended the training and have received a Hull Cleaning BMP training certificate that can be used to comply with the new regulations.

How to Obtain a Commercial Service ID

To obtain or update your Commercial Service ID, visit the Harbor Master at the LA County Sheriff Department, 13851 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. This service is available every third Tuesday of the month between the hours of 7 am and 10 am. The following items will be required:

• Valid photo ID showing physical address (no P.O. Boxes), such as California Identification Card, Driver’s License, or US Passport.
• Diver’s certification card
• Hull cleaning BMP training certificate
• A $10 fee

Commercial Service IDs must be renewed every 2 years, and BMP Certification must be renewed every 4 years. Call (310) 482-6000 with questions or to confirm hours of operation.

BMP Certified Divers in LA County Area

The hull cleaners listed below are certified in accordance with section 19.12.700 of the County Code. The County does not endorse or have any affiliation or contractual relationship with the parties listed.