IWAI - Code of Conduct for Boat Owners and Users:

It's a good idea to read the IWAI code of conduct in full, here's a excerpt;

"Protect the Environment

1. All boats used on the inland waterways should be fitted with holding tanks or chemical toilets. Marine toilets that discharge effluent into the watercourse are now illegal on most inland waterways in Ireland. Dispose of the effluent only at appropriate pump-out stations.

It's an interesting law considering there are only "12" pump outs on the hole of the river shannon.And we all know that most of the time they are not working properly!

2. In harbours, use public toilets as much as possible.

3. Don't pump oily bilge water into the watercourse. Find and fix the source of the oil. Clean out the bilge with oil absorbent material and dispose of correctly. Fit an oil trap to your bilge pump.

4. Use only 'Green' detergents and soaps on board.

5. Leave all mooring places, banks, piers and the shore in pristine condition. Bring home or correctly dispose of all your rubbish. Plastic beer can holders should be cut up and disposed of carefully lest they entangle wild-life. Tidy up any litter you see. Set a good example. Recycle as much material as you can.

 6. Respect the wildlife. Remember that birds and animals are sensitive to noise and disturbance, especially during the breeding season.

7. Keep your wash to a minimum in confined areas.
  • Do not leave fishing hooks, weights and lines lying around. Children (and indeed adults) and wildlife can easily get entangled. Do NOT use lead fishing weights. They are lethal to swans and other wildlife if ingested.

  • Keep dogs under control as required by law.

  • Take care when re-fuelling to avoid spillages. Use a siphon rather than pouring from a large drum.

  • Light fires and barbecues only where it is safe to do so. Ensure the fire is out before leaving. Be aware of the effect of your smoke. Dispose of the ash carefully.
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    General

    1. Moor economically. Take up as little space as you can. Be prepared to move to make room for boats ahead of and behind you.
    2. Allow craft with elderly people or young children to moor against the quay and be willing to move off to allow them to do so.
    3. In crowded harbours, be prepared to moor alongside others and encourage others to moor alongside you. (Aside from being economical with quay space, it's a great way to make new friends!) Always ask permission before coming alongside and make sure your boat is well fendered.
    4. Where a number of boats are "rafted" together, boats away from the quay should bring lines to the shore as well as to their neighbours. The cleats on the inner boats may not be up to the job and it will prevent the "raft" swinging about.
    5. Discourage dangerous horseplay among your crew, it can lead to tragedy.
    6. Your crew and passengers are your sole responsibility. You must make sure they are aware of basic safety drills and behaviour on board.
    7. Drinking and driving are as inappropriate in a boat as in a car. Save the "hard-tack" until the boat is securely tied up for the night. Never allow the use of illegal drugs aboard your boat. (Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an offence.)
    8. Avoid running engines (or indeed generators) at anti-social hours.
    9. Observe the 5-day mooring rules.