Inspiring respect

and care for the marine environment

Ocean Advocacy

At Turn to Starboard, ocean advocacy is at the heart of our sailing programmes. By connecting veterans and their families with the sea, we not only support personal recovery but also inspire respect and care for the marine environment.

We follow best practice, such as the Cornwall Marine & Coastal Wildlife Code, to ensure wildlife is protected while sailing. Through education, responsible seamanship, and partnerships with conservation groups, we use our voyages to raise awareness of ocean challenges and empower participants to become ambassadors for healthier, more sustainable seas.

When on the water, Turn to Starboard crew and participants should:

  • Maintain a good distance: Give marine animals such as seals, seabirds, dolphins or whales plenty of space (e.g. at least 100 metres) so as not to disturb resting or feeding behaviour. marinedevelopments.blog.gov.uk+2cornwallmarinelifecode.org.uk+2Approach animals carefully: Use side-on or indirect approaches rather than going straight for them, avoid sudden moves or changes in speed or direction. GOV.UK+2cornwallmarinelifecode.org.uk+2

  • Minimise noise and disturbance: Keep engines or motors quiet, avoid noise from vessel operations, do not chase animals or crowd them. GOV.UK+2marinedevelopments.blog.gov.uk+2

  • Use her eyes, zoom devices, not hands: Use binoculars or camera zooms to observe from a safe distance; avoid touching, feeding or interfering with wildlife. GOV.UK+1

  • Be mindful of wildlife vulnerability: Respect seasonal behaviours—breeding, moulting or resting periods—when animals are more sensitive, and avoid areas where young or pups may be present. GOV.UK+1

  • Choose accredited tour operators or follow codes like WiSe: When organising or joining trips, ensure operators follow the Wildlife Safe (WiSe) scheme or similar codes of conduct. marinedevelopments.blog.gov.uk+2marinediscovery+2

By incorporating these guidelines, Turn to Starboard can ensure that its sailing programmes not only foster connections with the ocean but do so in a way that protects marine life - aligning advocacy with action, educating participants, and modelling responsibility.

Inspire, Inform and Enable

Turn to Starboard

Green Blue’ Boating Pledge

At T2S we have taken the ‘Green Blue’ Boating Pledge. The ‘Green Blue’ initiative was created by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine, launched in 2005 at the Southampton Boat Show.

The ‘Green Blue’ initiative aims to inspire, inform and enable the recreational boating community to make more environmentally sustainable choices to help protect and enhance our environment for people and nature.

Learn more

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