RULES & POLICIES Introduction:
Our mission is to: “Offer the best environmentally safe recreational boating facility on the Banana River Lagoon. Providing safe, well run programs that enhance the quality of life of the military member through social and nautical experiences”. Please, Take a few minutes to read this important information. The rules and policies contained herein apply to each member of the Manatee Cove Marina Club. It is expected that each member will abide by them as he/she agreed to upon becoming a member of the Marina Club.
The following rules and policies are similar to those routinely enforced at other marina/yacht clubs. The Club Advisory Committee as well as other members at large contributed significantly to the development of these rules and policies; thoughts in mind were safety, environmental protection, and the best interest for all members, as well as being in concert with Air Force policies.

SECTION I: GENERAL

Rules/Policy Changes. The club reserves the right to amend, add, or delete rules and or policies from time to time as needed. Notice of said changes will be posted in the clubs ships store and members will be notified in the monthly newsletter. In the event any portion of the rules outlined herein shall be declared illegal or invalid, said portion only shall be deemed null and void and the balance of the rules herein shall remain in full force and effect.
Conduct. The Air Force standard rule of conduct applies. Additionally, members along with their families and guests are expected to comply with all the club’s rules while on club premises.
Commercial Work. No commercial or private contractors, businesses or persons are permitted to perform work for hire or for free on any vessel in the club area including wet/dry storage or maintenance areas without first registering with the clubs management. They must present proof of insurance. Violators of this policy will be denied future access to the marina area. Members are responsible for arranging base access and are responsible for contractor at all time.
Compliance with Laws. The member agrees to comply with all state, federal, and local laws pertaining to watercraft, marinas, and boating along with all the Air Force, 45 Space Wing and the club, including those outlined herein. Failure of the club management or staff to strictly enforce rules does not relieve the patrons of their responsibility to abide by them.
Clean Marina Program. The Manatee Cove Marina was designated a “Clean Marina” by the state of Florida. This designation lets boaters, that use the marina know, that we practice marina environmental measures that protect the environment. All members must abide by these rules and requirements, which are posted throughout the marina and are available in the office.
Vessel Safety Check (VSC). A Coast Guard VSC and certification decal is required for vessels moored or used at the club. The VSC is required annually as announced by the club management. Noncompliance will result in revocation of club privileges as far as boating is concerned.
Vessel Mobility. Vessels moored at the club must be in a safe and seaworthy condition and capable of being safely maneuvered. Vessels in poor neglected condition as deemed by management will be given 30-60 days to complete repairs necessary or have the vessel removed from the marina.
Vessel Ownership and Insurance. Members must show proof of vessel ownership, Florida registration, and liability insurance ($100,000 min.) before he/she is permitted to keep his/her vessel at the club. These will be revalidated annual during the last quarter of the year (Oct-Dec). Members unable to meet these requirements will not be permitted to dock or use his/her boat at this marina. Copies of ownership/insurance will be maintained on file at the club.
Telephone and Address. Members are responsible for ensuring accurate phone numbers and current addresses are on file at the club. The club manager may periodically randomly check on file numbers for accuracy. When a member (who moors a vessel at the marina) is going to be out of the local area for an extended period of time (2 or more weeks), he/she must confirm/provide the club with an emergency alternate contact. This person will be called in the event of a problem or emergency concerning the members boat during the member’s absence.
Access Gate. Entry to the marina compound is controlled with an automated gate. Cards are issued to members to permit entrance. Cards are club property; therefore members must sign for and agree to pay a fee if card is not returned. All cards must be returned when no longer needed or when membership is terminated. A fee will also be charged for broken, damaged, or lost cards.

SECTION II DOCKAGE

Slip Assignment. Slips (wet/dry) are assigned only to Patrick AFB Manatee Cove Marina members in good standing. Due to safety and emergency contact/response time, the assignments of slips is limited to members who permanently reside with in a 50 mile radius of Patrick AFB. When all available slips are rented, additional assignments are made using a waiting list. Member’s names are placed on this list, upon request, on a first-come, first-serve basis with the exception of active duty members. These members are placed at the top of the list in the number one position, or directly following other active duty members on the list. Dinghy rack spaces are assigned on a first-come, first serve basis to members who are renting a wet slip followed by others.
Slip Assignment Waiting List. Club members who are active duty military assigned to or supported by the 45th Space Wing have space priority over other members as indicated herein. If all slips are filled and a waiting list exists the active duty member will be inserted at the number one spot on the waiting list. Retired military and active AF DoD employees will have secondary priority followed by all other eligible members (Contractors on base, retired DoD, etc.)
Maintaining Membership Status. In the event the club member who has a vessel stored at the club does not maintain current membership in the club, comply with rules stated herein and pay all incurred charges IAW AF directives, the club shall, at its sold discretion have the right to change the rate fee to those charged to non-member transients and to take action to remove the vessel from the club premises. The vessel must be removed within thirty days from the date of termination of membership.
Slip Occupancy. Members occupy slips on a rental basis. Slips are not “owned”. Rented slip spaces may only be used by the member who has been assigned to that space and he/she must own the vessel that occupies the slip. Members are not authorized to “sub-let” or loan their slip space to another person. Please do not move your vessel or trailer from one slip to another without prior consent from the club management. Members boat must occupy the slip within 60 days of slip assignment and are responsible for rent payment beginning the 1st day slip is accepted or assigned. The club reserves the right to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis or reassign the slip to another member on the waiting list. Whenever the members’ slip is going to be unoccupied for seven days or longer for any reason, he/she must notify management. Management reserves the right to use any slip that is vacant or not occupied on an as needed basis.
Initial Slip Assignment. All slip assignments are for a minimum of three months. Before moving boat/trailer into a newly assigned slip, the members must provide registration and insurance. The member must also personally come to the office sign the slip assignment acceptance agreement and lease contract. If the vessel doesn’t already display a current VSC certificate, the safety inspection must be done within 30 days of assignment. (The VSC is free and we have a list of inspectors who are available to provide this service).
Wet/Dry Slip Rental Rates. Slip rental rates are based on length of vessel. Length of vessel is length overall and is verified upon members presentation of vessel registration papers and if necessary boat size will be validated by visual observation and measurement. If a member changes vessels, he/she must immediately bring a copy of the new vessels registration papers to the club. This must be done before a replacement vessel is docked/stored at the club. Periodic checks are made on all boats in dry and wet slips to verify ownership, type, length, etc. If/when it is discovered that a boat greater in length than registered is occupying a slip the renter of that slip will be retroactively charged for the greater length. It is important that members review their billing statements each month to ensure they are being assessed the proper fees.
Transfer Fee Billing. Slips are not transferable from one member to another. Management makes slip assignments using the waiting list described herein. If a member, who is occupying a slip, disposes of his/her boat, he/she may retain the assigned slip for a period of up to sixty days when contemplating a new purchase. However, he/she must get prior approval and will be required to pay the current fee based on size of boat sold or otherwise disposed of.
Dockage Fee Billing. Wet/Dry dockage fees are charged by the month, on the day on or near the 15th of each month for that month. Members must notify the club in writing 30 days in advance of vacating dockage. Final billing period includes the entire month in which the slip is vacated. Members planning to vacate slips should plan accordingly. The club manager will consider special circumstances.
Physical Changes to Docks/Finger Piers. Members are permitted to make limited physical changes to docks or finger piers within their assigned slip; however, proposed changes must be pre approved. Examples of changes that could be requested are installation of bumper or rub rail material. Self-help pier extensions, removal or installation of pilings, electrical or plumbing changes will not be approved and are prohibited. Remember that member made physical changes become property of the club and do not result in slip ownership.
Assignment Notification. Slip assignment notification is made by telephone. Should the staff be unable to reach the member with in one week by telephone due to no answer, answering machine messages not returned, incorrect numbers or disconnection the member will be moved to the bottom of the waiting list. If the member declines the slip offer, the member will be removed from the waiting list. Declining a slip offered merely because it is not on a particular dock is not an acceptable declination reason. The club manager will review special circumstances and render decision.
Wet Slip Sizing. Wet slips are assigned using a right sizing rule. That is, that each slip has been rated to adequately berth a minimum/maximum size boat based on length and width. Right sizing varies from dock to dock and slip to slip and the minimum/maximum size boat that can be berthed in that particular slip determines rates.
Wet Slip Temporary Assignment. A member on the waiting list, who is next in line for a slip, may be offered a temporary assignment to a slip only on the condition that he/she agrees that the assignment is temporary. When the appropriate size slip is available, the member agrees to move his/her vessel as notified.
Relocating Boats. The club reserves the right within its sole discretion to determine the location of boats within the club docking facilities. That is, the club may move or remove any vessel whenever the club deems it necessary for more efficient use of available spaces such as a move that would generate more revenue for the club, better align boats to permit easier entry or departure, or move vessels for right sizing, safety or for maintenance and repair on the docks. In the event that the club requires a boat owner to relocate his/her boat, the owner will be notified. Upon such notification, the owner shall have fifteen days to comply with the clubs request, except for relocation from temporary assignment and for safety reasons (in which case, movement will be required immediately). In the event the club is unable to contact the boat owner, the club reserves the right to move the vessel as deemed necessary and appropriate. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Bow in Docking. Boats moored at A, B, C and F docks must be docked “bow in” to reduce seawall (bulkhead) undermining or erosion. Boast in slips at these docks may be manually (no motorized power) turned stern-in for loading, off loading or authorized maintenance.
Boat Use. Club usage (wet/dry storage) is intended for active boat usage. No slip shall be used for long-term storage or building projects. In the event the club management determines that a boat owner is not engaged in active boating, but is instead storing his/her boat upon the premises, the boat owner will be notified that he/she has 30 days to vacate his/her slip. In the event the owner does not vacate the slip within said period of time, the club shall begin charging dockage fees at the visitors’ rate for an additional thirty days. Thereafter, the boat may be removed from the club premises and disposed of by the club in accordance with AF abandoned property policies. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case based upon submission of written justification to club management. The requested exception should include as a minimum an explanation of circumstances, the condition of vessel, the plan to correct the problems, and anticipated date of completion.
Mooring of Tender/Dinghy. Any tender or dinghy moored with another boat in a wet slip shall not protrude past the bow or stern of the boat in a slip. The tender or dinghy must be within the rented slip area and must not be in adjacent slip area or interfere with the safe passage of other vessels. Do not tie, hang or suspend tenders/dinghies beneath, on or at the end of finger piers/docks. A club dinghy storage rack is available in the maintenance area. Dinghies stored on this rack must be registered with the club and are available to members with a boat stored/docked at this marina on a first come-first served basis.

SECTION III: MISCELLANEOUS

Fishing. Fishing is not permitted from the docks at any time. Members who have their boats moored at the club are allowed to fish only while physically on their boat. Drift fishing between, in or around docks is not permitted.
Storage. Boat owners may not store supplies, materials, accessories, equipment, or debris on walkways, docks, or finger piers unless in a club-approve dock box. It is especially important that fuel containers or propane tanks not be stored in or around the docks. Items are not permitted to be tied to the fence in dry storage area. Items, such as tenders/dinghies or boat hoists, shall not be suspended beneath docks/piers.
Dock Boxes. Club approved dock boxes are permitted to be used by members with wet slip assignments. Authorized types and sizes vary from dock to dock. Check with management for dock box size information. Only one dock box per slip is permitted. A dock box may be constructed using wood materials, however, wood boxes must be painted and maintained in good condition. Rotten, deteriorated, or unsightly boxes do not meet base standards and will not be permitted at this marina.
Pets. Pets shall remain on a leash or in owner’s control at all times. Barking dogs must be controlled. Members must not let their pets roam freely in the club area and are required to pick up after their pets. Owners may walk pets in the open field east of A dock between the club and golf course parking lots. Pets are not permitted in the clubhouse, or upper area of Tiki bar. Pets will be allowed to be with their owners on the deck area providing the area is not being utilized for club function and the owner must keep control of pet at all times. The only exception is as permitted by law or on official government business.
Garbage. All garbage shall be disposed in dumpsters or collection containers located throughout the club area or removed from the club premises. Please do not leave trash bags, etc. on docks or on ground areas by trashcans. Containers are not to be used for disposal of boat projects discarded materials (boards, paneling, screens, canvas, sail cloth, etc.) Dockside containers are intend to be used for household type effuse incidental to recreational boating.
Hazardous Materials. Products such as pesticides, oil, paint, batteries, and petroleum products are hazardous materials that become known as “hazardous wastes” upon disposal. These materials must be not be stored openly on the club premises. Hazardous wastes are subject to strict regulation by federal, state, and local agencies. These products must be used and/or otherwise disposed of IAW hazardous waste disposal regulations. The club does not have hazardous material waste disposal, therefore, the burden of proper disposal becomes the member, who may be subject to criminal and civil liability for any wrongful acts. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL OIL, FUEL, FUEL/OIL FILTERS, OR OTHER CONTAMINATES BE PLACED IN GARBAGE CANS, CONTAINERS, DUMPSTERS, OR LEFT IN/AT ANY OTHER PLACE ON THE CLUB PREMISES. WE PRACTIVE ZERO TOLERANCE ON INFRACTIONS OF THIS RULE – ANY MEMBER FOUND VIOLATION THIS RULE WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOSE HIS/HER MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES.
Disposal of Sanitary (Sewage) Waste. Many of our boating members have built-in heads (toilets) with holding/disposal sanitary waste systems on their vessels. Other members us portable sanitary waste systems, commonly referred to as “porta-potties”. Regardless of the type of system used, federal and state law require proper disposal of waste. Club policy and law requires no discharge of sanitary waste within the marina basin or Banana River. Member boaters may use the club provided waste pump-out station located at the club fuel dock to pump out on board waste holding systems tanks. This pump out is not to be used to empty “porta-potties”. Portable waste containers must be taken off site to be emptied. DO NOT DUMP OR EMPTY PORTA POTTIES INTO THE DISPOSAL SYSTEM IN THE CLUB RESTOOMS/SHOWER FACILITIES.
Maintenance (wet slip). Only ordinary, light maintenance shall be permitted on a members’ boat in the wet slips. Other work may require that the boat be moved to a different location on the club compound or entirely away from the marina. Spray painting, welding, and burning are strictly prohibited. Members must check with management to determine what other maintenance is permitted and where.
Maintenance (dry storage). Several spaces are available in the boat ramp parking lot area for members to perform routine boat maintenance. Members must register with the office prior to parking or performing any maintenance – fees may be charged for extended stays.
Navigation Laws. Navigation laws of the United States, State of Florida, and Brevard County apply to all vessels at and approaching the marina and must be complied with at all times. Furthermore, boat operators are liable for any damage caused by failure to obey posed idle speed, no wake and manatee warning signs. It should be noted that the entire marina basin is an idle speed – no wake zone.
Safe Mooring. The member acknowledges that he has inspected and accepted assigned dockage space and is satisfied that the slip is adequate for safe mooring of his boat. The club staff will make a reasonable effort to contact the member to notify him/her of dangerous conditions requiring his/her attention, but the club assumes no responsibility for attending mooring lines, storage or personal property, or moving of boast from the slip to which they are assigned. Members must ensure the vessels are properly and adequately secured to the docks at all times. Members must personally check their vessels in preparation of adverse weather conditions, hurricane season, and/or at any other time deemed necessary to appropriate or when informed to do so by the marina staff.
Noise. Noise shall be kept to a minimum at all times. Members and their guests must use discretion in the operation of generating plants, main engines and other power equipment so as not to create exceptional noise. The operation of sound amplifying equipment, radios and similar devices, construction and/or repair activity which is audible off the boat and its immediate area is prohibited between the hours of 2000 –0800. Club management on a case-by-case basis must approve any exceptions for special functions.
Severe Weather/Emergency Conditions. Members agree to either secure or remove their vessel from the club on or before issuance of a hurricane warning by the National Hurricane Center and/or Patrick AFB officials and/or in any emergency declared by or directed by the Patrick AFB Installation Commander or designated representative. It shall be the members’ responsibility to be aware of such warnings. Unattended vessels may be secured and or towed to another safe location at the members expense and risk, but the club makes no representation that such action will be taken.
Live-Aboard. The club allows for a limited number of live-aboard vessels moored at the marina which are approved on a first come, first served basis. A monthly all-inclusive fee applies (dock fee, utilities, etc). Other members are permitted to stay aboard their vessels on weekends and holidays (or not more than three nights per week). Short periods of time, such as during a vacation must get advance approval from club management. The club will maintain a record of each member's stay, number of days, slip number, etc. Transient visitors are permitted to stay at the visitors dock for periods up to 30 days but must pay appropriate dockage fees.
Use of Utilities. Available utilities (i.e. water and power) are limited and may be inadequate at some dock slips for vessels requiring more than 30 or 20 amps power. Therefore, members must exercise prudent use of on-board items that require electrical power. Do not leave equipment, such as air conditioning, operation when the vessel is not occupied. Also, water bibs shall not be left in the on position when the vessel is not occupied. Dockage rates are not established at a level to permit around the clock unlimited use of utilities. It is recognized and permitted that some constant use of electricity is required to operate on board equipments such as refrigerators, chargers, and bilge pumps. Water heaters do not fall in this category; activate these units only while on-board. Each occupied slip is authorized use of one dockside electrical power card to be plugged into one power outlet for that slip. Use of more than one dockside power and/or any outlet other that the one assigned to that particular slip is not authorized. Electrical consumption is metered where deemed necessary and each slip is permitted a reasonable and normal monthly usage rate. Members with high electrical demand/usage will be assessed a monthly flat rate utility charge as determined by club management. Unauthorized power cord hook-ups will be unplugged.
Boat Owners Liability/Indemnity of Club. The member (boat owner) will exercise due care and all safety rules while occupying a wet/dry/maintenance slip. The member shall indemnify and hold harmless the club against all claims, actions proceeding damages and liabilities arising from or connected with his/her possession and use of his/her boat. The club is not liable, nor responsible for loss or damage to boats moored in the club facilities including but not limited to damage arising out of flood, wind rain theft vandalism, or any other cause. All boat owners are required to obtain and maintain liability insurance and will sign the lease agreement.
Personal Water Craft (PWC). Members are permitted to launch and operate their personally owned and properly registered PWC within the marina basin. PWC operators must meet federal, state, and local requirements and must obey navigational rules, as well as posted signage (i.e. manatee area, idle speed, and no wake zones). Violators will be ticked or barred from using the marina facilities.
Vessel Operation within the Marina Basin. Members are responsible for ensuring their vessels are safely and properly operated and controlled at all times within the marina basin, including the marina channel out to day markers #5 and #6. Members must be aware of and comply with Navigational Rules, Idle/Slow Speed/No Wake and Manatee zone restrictions.
Restrooms/Showers/Laundry Facility. This facility is provided for marina members and their bona fide guests along with transient boaters registered at the club. The club will ensure facility is cleaned daily, however, members are asked to clean up after themselves for the next member. Any problems with machines should be reported to staff as soon as possible.
On-Board BBQ or Open Fire Cooking. Open flame cooking (charcoal or gas) is not permitted on vessels within marina basin. We have designated locations where grilling can be done safely. Picnic areas are provided with grills, and tables as well as some grill located at the end of various docks.
Fueling Operation. Safety rules require that all boat fueling operations shall be carefully accomplished at an approved fueling station or other specifically designated remote location. The only authorized fuel dispensing location for boats in the water is at the marina fuel dock by the clubhouse. Regardless of where you buy your fuel, in order to pour it into the fuel tank aboard your boat the boat must be at our fuel dock. This is true whether you are using portable fuel tanks to carry your fuel or having dockside delivery made by a commercial vendor. Exceptions will be considered and approved by management. When fueling, remember to (1) Always monitor your fueling operation. (2) Block spill access to water with buckets, sorbent pads, and rings. (3) Clean up your spill immediately with sorbent materials. (4) Do not top off your tank; only fill to 90% capacity. (5) Equip your vessel with fuel/air separators and whistling vents. Remember, it is illegal to discharge oil/fuel substances into US waters. You could incur substantial civil penalty for each incident, regardless of the amount spilled.
Dissipating Oil/Fuel Spills. The use of soaps or other dispersing agents to dissipate oil/fuel is more harmful to the marine environment than if the oil had been left alone. Use of these agents without permission is against the law. You may be penalized up to $25,000 dollars for each incident.
Radio Monitoring. The club monitors VHF radio channel 71 during most operating hours. Feel free to contact the club should you need assistance or information.
Boat Washing. Washing of boats is permitted in wash ramp only. No power washing will be permitted on marina property. Mild phosphorus free soaps may be used above water line for boats in the water (these are available in Ships’ Store)