Why use a bilge sock? Because it will clean up your bilge water, stop discharge of oil and fuel products from going into the water you fish and swim in, and it might save you from a hefty fine, too.

You can receive a bilge sock kit from the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (UGA-MAREX) for free! Just call or e-mail us for information (see address below). We received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to promote voluntary bilge sock use by boaters with bilges in coastal Georgia waters. In addition, UGA-MAREX will provide training on how to use bilge socks and educational information on why using socks is a good thing for the coastal community. EPA has determined that oil pollution of the marine environment is a major issue that needs to be addressed as more and more vessels use our coastal waters.

Bilge socks work by “capturing” hydrocarbon products in polymers that form permanent bonds, and do not absorb water. Because of this, gases and vapors are also trapped within the solidified polymers, eliminating most vapors. Removing flammable hydrocarbon vapors makes your engine compartment much safer! The polymers in the bilge sock that encapsulate oil and fuel are harmless to fish and wildlife, are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-carcinogenic. Typical disposal of a “full” bilge sock (when the sock gets hard & you begin to see an oily sheen in your bilge) means putting it in your regular trash for proper landfill disposal or incineration of the sock, consistent with local, applicable regulations.Because there are different types of bilge socks available, please check the instructions on future products you purchase to make sure you dispose of them properly.

Thank you for being part of the solution to reduced oil pollution! If you would like a FREE bilge sock they (must be picked up in person at our UGA-MAREX Brunswick, Georgia office - we can not mail them) or more information please contact Lisa Gentit at (912) 264-7365 or e-mail at gentit@uga.edu

Online Map link to our office


Additional links on Bilge socks :

Bilge Sock Evaluation Report by Joseph E. Costa, Ph.D.
http://www.buzzardsbay.org/bilgesockwebreport.pdf#search=%22bilge%20socks%22

Bilge socks help clean Volusia County's waterways http://www.volusia.org/environmental/environet/bilge_socks.htm