Protect your marine environment: sign up to the Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme

Morning Star of Revelation is the latest Tall Ship to sign up to prestigious Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme in recognition of the vessel’s commitment to environmentally responsible best practice.

With all the devastating news about the impact of plastics on our oceans this scheme is particularly important for sail training vessels in terms of setting an example to trainees and for all visitors who see vessels in port. Fifty-four sail training vessels have now pledged to become ‘One Ocean Ambassadors’ and play their role in protecting the marine environment they sail on.

Pledging to commit to the behaviours of the Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme requires vessels to undertake a number of different environmental measures including managing the discharge of pollutants, avoiding disturbance to marine life, utilising environmentally friendly materials in the construction, maintenance of the ship and implementing recycling programs.

A full code of conduct is issued, which includes actions for everyone on board, including:

• Never throw anything over-board, whether at sea or in port unless on a long distance passage and your vessel’s waste management plan has been approved.
• Do not release toilet water into the sea in near coastal waters and sensitive areas (for vessels without black water holding tanks).
• Use, and promote the use of, recycling facilities ashore.
• Do not buy or use objects made from protected species or from archaeological underwater findings.
• Encourage others to take care of our marine environment, while on board and at all other times.

Morning Star of Revelation is a beautiful 62 foot Gaff Ketch.  Alex Coakley, Executive Director said the crew took great pride in helping to look after their trainees and the marine environment.

“There is a strong commitment to environmental conservation among the crew. We sail in UK and European waters vital to marine life, so we have a responsibility to minimise the environmental impact we have on these areas.

“Morning Star of Revelation has a long history of inspiring young people to live life to the full, so as a vessel that hosts many developmental voyages, it is important that we send the right message to our trainees about looking after our waters. The Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme is a great initiative and we encourage other vessels to demonstrate their environmental commitment by pledging to become part of the programme.”

Morning Star of Revelation is a Christian organisation sailing in all legs of The Tall Ships Races 2018 and is available for bookings.

About the Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme

The Sail Training Blue Flag Scheme is a joint initiative between Sail Training International and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark, to minimise the impact of sailing on the marine environment both at sea and in port. The scheme is open to sail training vessel owners/operators that belong to one of Sail Training International’s member national sail training organisations, or who compete in Tall Ships Races or Regattas organised by Sail Training International.

For more information email media@sailonboard.com or call +44 (0) 23 9258 6367.