It’s Boating Season!

The 2024 boating season is underway! Marinas, boat launches, and parks are all seeing increased activity, which means the CVA equipment is also seeing increased activity. While the equipment runs better with increased use, increased use can sometimes mean an increase in clogs and other issues. Be sure to check on the equipment regularly and have facility contact info near it in case boaters need to report an issue or ask a question.

For pumpouts, be sure to check that the automatic shutoff is working properly. At least once a month, dunk the pumpout nozzle in the waterway in an area free of excess seaweed/algae and silt and let the pump run. This helps equipment in two ways: it clears the lines of sewage (which can prevent sewage from hardening and clogging in the lines) and it can tell you if the automatic shutoff is working. The automatic shutoff should be set for 10 to 15 minutes. If it is not shutting off after this time, check the settings for the system. This is critical to check because boaters can accidentally leave the pumpout on, which will burn the pump out and make for a major repair at a busy time. If you are unsure about how to check this, reach out to Connie (constance.sullivan@oregonstate.edu). If you are in saltwater, it’s ok to use the water from the waterway for this – not enough salt gets into the system or goes to the local wastewater treatment plant to cause an issue.

For floating restrooms, try out your new maintenance logs! Connie is more than happy to help you customize it for your facility’s specific needs. Being able to track the weekly maintenance and repairs will help you have a more successful season by knowing about issues as soon as they arise. It’ll also help you with what spare parts you need to replace as they are used.

For all equipment, messaging to boaters about how they can use the equipment in the correct, safe manner will ensure success for all. Be sure to follow OSMB and Oregon Sea Grant on social media. Each month, we make a few posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads related to CVA and safe boating that you are welcome to share on your accounts. If you have important messages that we are not covering, reach out to Connie to help create posts. We know you are very busy, so Connie can help craft messages and find photos for you.

Fall Workshops

While fall feels far off, it’ll be here before we know it. We are starting to put together the fall CVA workshop schedule, so here are some dates to keep in mind. Remember that all workshops and food are free!

• Floating Restrooms:
  • October 31 (virtual)
  • 10 am – 12 pm
• Pumpouts and Dump Stations:
  • November 7 (Newport with a virtual option)
  • November 14 (Cascade Locks with a virtual option)
  • 10 am – 12 pm for workshop; lunch in person to follow from noon to 1 pm

CVA Grant Information

It’s a good time to reflect on your equipment and your facility as a whole and see if there are any grants you need to apply for! Check out the Marine Board's Boating Facilities subsite to see if there are opportunities you can take advantage of. Cycle Three applications are being accepted from May 1 to July 12, for large grants and we accept Small Grants any time for projects less than $50,000.