The spill kit initiative is a program that equips members with tools and education to respond to waterborne spills. Through this educational program, it ensures the spread of conservation awareness and understanding.

What is a Spill Kit?

A spill kit is a ready-made pack of items — such as absorbent materials, contaminated chemical waste bags, gloves and guides — that provides a complete set of items for its users to conduct a spill cleanup. The spill kits provided in this initiative are specifically for water-borne spills.

Why Have a Spill Kit?

Knowing how to use a spill kit is essential for preventing environmental damage and protecting human health and safety. Having an emergency spill kit on your pleasure craft is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a responsible practice that can help you avoid accidents and reduce the impact of spills on the marine environment.

Firstly, it helps to prevent environmental damage that can be caused by spills of hazardous substances. These spills can harm marine life, water quality, and natural habitats.

Secondly, having a spill kit on board can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Hazardous substances can be dangerous to human health and safety, and prompt action is required to prevent further harm.

Lastly, having a spill kit on board your pleasure craft can help you comply with local regulations. Many countries and regions have regulations that require boats and ships to have a spill kit on board as part of their safety equipment.

Spill Kits Used at False Creek

In late 2023, heavy rainfall in Vancouver led to storm drains discharging into the ocean. Shawn Wilson, a Métis man who lives on a sailboat, was in the area and noticed a slick and reached out to both the City of Vancouver and the Canadian Coast Guard to get the spill cleaned up. When no one responded, he contacted BCMF’s Conservation Department for assistance.

BC Métis Federation Director of the Conservation Department, Angel Fisher, and Conservation Manager Zia Yazdani arrived on the scene with three spill kits. Shawn Wilson deployed the three spill kits and was able to contain some of the spill.