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RULES AND REGULATIONS

I. GUESTS

A. A guest should be accompanied by a member. If not accompanied by a member, s/he must have written permission of the member in order to use Squadron facilities, except the hoist, railway, barge, ramp and pressure washer, which cannot be used by a guest. Equipment and facilities are for use of members’ boats only, except for Squadron sponsored events or activities or with the approval of the Dockmaster.
B. Any person not a member who consistently uses Squadron facilities when not accompanied by a member, even when s/he has permission of a member will be required to either make an application for membership or desist from this practice. The offspring or legal dependents of member’s families over the age of 18 are considered guests, unless full-time students.

II. SQUADRON GROUNDS

A. Squadron grounds and the clubhouse should be kept in a clean, presentable condition at all times. It is incumbent upon every member to do his or her part to accomplish this end. Refuse, drink cans, old work materials, etc., must be placed in the proper waste receptacles. All other materials must be stored in designated areas and not left laying about.
B. The use of profanity is prohibited.
C. Parking is permitted in designated areas only.
D. Boat trailers are to be returned to their assigned dry slip area while boats are in the water.
E. A twenty-foot area from the water to the road on the West beach is considered a launching area. No dinghies, watercraft, automobiles, or trailers will be left in this area at any time.
F. Discharge of firearms, pyrotechnics or projectile launchers of any kind is prohibited in all areas controlled by the Squadron, including docks and anchorages. Transport or storage of such devices in loaded condition is likewise prohibited.
G. Allow for sale signs on boats or other owner property as appropriate and determined by the dockmaster. The size of the sign is not to exceed 11” x 14.” No “For Sale” signs shall be placed on the street side of boats in dry slips abutting Apollo Beach Boulevard.
H. No pets shall be allowed on the grounds unless leashed. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet(s).
I. Any and all items stored on Squadron property must have the approval of the Dockmaster in advance.
J. The front gate shall be closed and locked at all times except during official Squadron activities.

III. HOIST

A. Use of the hoist will be controlled by the Dockmaster and his or her designated Hoistmaster.
B. Completion of a Squadron “Marine Hoist Haul Agreement” is required for all users other than those renting a dry slip from the Squadron. Visitors to the Squadron during Regattas will not be required to complete the “Agreement.”
C. There will be a charge of $5.00 “In & Out”, for all hoist users other than dry slip renters. Visitors to the Squadron during Regattas will not be required to pay for hoist use.
D. The Hoistmaster will check out all users to be sure they are aware of safe operating procedures.
E. Use of the hoist is limited to 6,000 pounds. Do not use the electric power cord to move the boom; use the lines provided.
F. Keep the straps clean and stowed in the designated area. Make sure the straps are not twisted when lifting the boat.
G. Clear the area under the hoist and the dock area near the hoist as soon as possible so that others may use it without undue waiting.
H. When finished using the hoist, disconnect the electricity and secure the boom and chain fall in a position which will not present a hazard.
I. Use caution and common sense at all times.
J. Report unsafe conditions or operating problems to the Hoistmaster or Dockmaster.
K. Do not permit any children to play in the area.
L. No work, including pressure washing, may be performed on boats while they are on the hoist.

IV. RAILWAY

A. The Dockmaster controls the use of the marine railway. Please contact him/her for use and assignment of time. The Dockmaster may designate a Railmaster to assume any or all of the duties of the railway.
B. Weekly haul out fee will be $270.00. Short haul outs, at the discretion of the Dockmaster/Railmaster, may be made at the rate of $60.00 for the first day; $35.00 for subsequent days. Payment for week haul out must be paid in full no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled haul. The time is then committed, and cancellation or rescheduling is at the expense of the member scheduling the time. Multiple hauls by the same member of more than one boat, will be at the rate of $60.00 for the first day; $35.00 for subsequent days, with a $270.00 per week maximum. All fees are plus sales tax.
C. Maximum haul weight on the railway car is 20,000 pounds. Members shall provide proof of vessel weight upon Dockmaster/Railmaster request. Any haul out is at the discretion of the Dockmaster/Railmaster.
D. If the pressure washer is inoperative during a scheduled haul out, the user may be reimbursed for the rental of a pressure washer, up to a maximum of $50.00.
E. Sandblasting is prohibited. Spray painting is to be done with the approval of the Dockmaster and the Board of Directors prior to the start of work. Spray can touch-up is allowed.
F. Due to special railway requirements for Multihulls, all Multihull reservations must be made individually, with the Railmaster, on a consecutive basis, with all fees due and payable 30 days prior to the start of the Multihull haul out period.
G. To operate the railway, there must be a minimum of 2 people, one of whom must have prior experience with the operation of this rail. One person must be at the controls at all times while the rail is moving. No one is allowed in the travel area while the car is moving.

V. SQUADRON BOATS

A. Except in emergency, Race Committee launches and motors may be used only with permission of the Fleet Captains, Commodore, Vice Commodore, or Dockmaster.
B. Squadron bum boats may be used for transportation to and from docks and moored boats but must be returned to the dock as soon as possible and not left on the mooring. Boats must be left in clean, uncluttered condition. Any person using boats must properly secure the boats at the designated locations.

VI. CLUB HOUSE

A. GALLEY

1. Each person using galley facilities is responsible for leaving same in a clean and presentable state.

2. Coffee, cream, sugar, paper cups, plates, etc., are provided for members’ use at clubhouse functions.

3. The refrigerator is for members’ use. Food left in the refrigerator is at the members’ risk.

4. All garbage must be disposed of properly. Plastic bags are provided for this purpose.

B. RESTROOMS

1. Each person using the restrooms is responsible for its cleanliness. Paper goods and cleaning supplies are provided.

2. No articles of clothing or other gear may be left in restrooms or the clubhouse. Items left are left at the owner’s risk.

C. CLUBHOUSE

1. Empty cans and waste material must be placed in proper receptacles. The rug shall be swept as necessary.

2. Pets are not allowed in the clubhouse or on the porch.

3. The storage room may only be used by those members authorized to do so by the Commodore, Vice Commodore, or Dockmaster.

4. Smoking tobacco products is not allowed in the clubhouse. Smoking tobacco products is not allowed on the porch when there is a Squadron-sponsored event or meeting in the clubhouse or on the porch. At other times, smoking on the porch is allowed.

VII. BOAT STORAGE

The Squadron provides slips for the convenience of its members. A slip is a privilege. The Board of Directors is responsible for and has authority over all matters relating to slips and the slip waiting lists. The Board of Directors delegates some of its administrative responsibilities to the Dockmaster and his or her agents, including, but not limited to the Wet Slip Manager, Dry Slip Manager and the Compliance Administrator. The Dockmaster will maintain a dry slip waiting list, a set slip waiting list for mono-hull boats, a wet slip waiting list for multihulls, and slip assignment lists, which will be included in the Board of Directors meeting records.
When a slip becomes available, the size of the next boat on the respective wait list may not be appropriate as determined by the dockmaster. The dockmaster will have to determine if moves can occur to accommodate the boat or skip to the next boat on the waitlist. When that boat is skipped, the owner will remain on the top of the respective wait list.

A. Contact the Dockmaster for registration and assignment of boat storage facilities prior to moving your boat to the Squadron and promptly notify the Dockmaster when vacating your storage area, wet or dry.

B. All boat owners shall provide the Dockmaster with proof of liability insurance and current registration, where necessary and as required by law.

C. Boat slip and rack fees are charged on a quarterly basis and are payable in advance. Wet slip fees are based on a 30 foot minimum. Dry slip fees are based on a 16 foot minimum. A rack fee of $21.00 plus tax per quarter will be charged for one design dinghies like sunfish and dinghies up to a maximum of 16 feet. If the quarterly fee is not postmarked by the twelfth day of the first month of the quarter, a $10 late fee shall be charged. When rent fees are not received by the twelfth day of the second month of the quarter, a default fee of $2.00 per foot per month will be charged, in addition to the standard fees, retroactive to the beginning of the quarter. At the Board of Directors’ discretion, the member may be asked to vacate his or her slip. Temporary slip rates, as approved by the Board of Directors, will be posted on the Dockmaster notice board.

D. Slips are not to be sublet by the assigned occupant. The Squadron reserves the right to use any slip during the temporary absence of a boat. In the
event the space is rented to a second member the primary tenant shall give the Dockmaster seven (7) days notice to prepare the slip for his or her return. Such notice may be given prior to leaving the space provided the date of the return can be determined.

E. Water hoses should be carefully stowed after use, preferably on board but always neatly so as not to present a hazard. Only one water hose may be stored on the pedestal. The water valve is to be turned off when not in use. There can be no unattended connected electrical cords. The boat owner must disconnect any electrical extension cord, and store it aboard the boat, when he or she leaves the site.

F. Docks, hoist area, dry slips, work area, and ramp must be kept clean and clear of stored materials and vehicles. Any dock box kept by a member must conform to the standard design approved by the Squadron and is to be located in the area designated by the Dockmaster.

G. Refuse receptacles are provided. Do not throw garbage, trash, or refuse of any kind in the water.

H. Any repair work on vessels within the site confines requires a work permit approved by the Dockmaster before the work is started. The maximum time for repair work will be 90 days. If a boat owner cannot with good cause complete the repairs within 90 days, the boat owner must come before the Board of Directors to request an extension. The Dockmaster shall designate the area where the work is to be performed. Use of this designated work area or the Squadron-provided trailer will be at the rate of $5.00 plus tax per one day from sunup to sunset, to a maximum of $20.00 per week plus tax. Pulling and storage of a mast will be at the rate of $25.00 per month plus tax for up to the first month; $50.00 per month plus tax for each subsequent month (this rate is to retroactively become effective from the start of the 2019-2020 Watch).

I. All watercraft stored at the Squadron shall be kept in a clean and presentable condition at all times.

J. Dinghies will be kept in the area designated by the Dockmaster and ownership shall be prominently displayed on the dingy. No boats or accessories are to be stored on the ground.

K. Members should use toilets provided in Squadron facilities. Toilets are not to be discharged into the waters of the basin.

L. Use of harpoons or spears is prohibited from docks or walkways in the Squadron area.

M. Watercraft shall not be anchored in the entrance to fairways.

N. Boats may not be left at service docks more than overnight without permission from the Dockmaster, Commodore, or Vice Commodore.

O. Boat owners are held responsible for proper security of their boats and equipment. The Squadron shall not be held liable for any damage or loss. Minimum safe lines, 3-strand nylon or equivalent, permitted for boats at the site are as follows: Up to 27 ft. – 3/8” 28 to 31 ft. – 7/16” 32 to 36 ft. – 1/2” 37 to 45 ft. – 5/8”

Dock lines shall be maintained and replaced when aged, weathered, deteriorated, subjected to sea growth, cut or frayed. Having all boats using the same knot at the dock piles is important as this will facilitate easy adjustment during a storm or hurricane. The knot used to dock piles shall be as follows: Two Round Turns and Two Half Hitches. The outer piles shall have a knot that will not slip up or down the pilings such as Clove Hitch (secured with half hitches), or Round Turn with Two Half hitches. Lasso or slip knots are not acceptable. The wooden cleat or hanger hook is not for securing the dock line and shall not be used as such. Fore and aft spring lines are encouraged on all boats year round. Neighbor boats are to separate their lines vertically on the dock pilings to allow access for length adjustment. One of the boats shall keep their lines low to the dock surface to reduce tripping hazards when accessing the finger pier. When routing dock lines on the boat, the owner should use long lines, to allow stretch even when tightened, and should avoid pinch or rub points. However, chafing gear is to be employed wherever a line touches a dock, chock, toe rail, or other potential rub surface. Normal tide range is 1.4 feet. However, during spring tides and under certain wind conditions, the range may be as much as 4.4 feet. Sufficient slack must be provided to accommodate the expected range. But, lines must be adjusted tight enough to keep the boat centered in its slip, left to right, and 2 ft or more from the main dock or seawall.

1. Special Storage Requirements for Heavy Weather. During the hurricane season, June 1st through November 30th, all lines shall be double and, at minimum, and all boats 30 feet and larger shall employ at least one spring line to stay at least 2 feet off the main dock or seawall. Boat owners are responsible for timely response to any storm preparation action mandated. When preparing for threatening weather, the Dockmaster and Hurricane Action Team (HAT) are empowered to replace bad lines and to double up lines on boats which do not have double lines, and to bill the member/ owner. The price of any installed lines will be cost plus 20% for the rope.

2. After initiation of hurricane preparations by the Hurricane Action Team (HAT), Dockmaster or TSS Board, boat owners shall review the HAT preparation checklists and assure their boat is in compliance.

P. In the event a member is renting a wet slip and elects to store the boat in a dry slip, there shall be no added charge.

Q. Any member renting a wet slip or dry slip shall be entitled to keep a dinghy and/or boat trailer on Squadron grounds at no additional charge. The Dockmaster shall assign the space.

R. All owners must be Squadron members. Only one wet slip can be assigned per member. All owners must appear on the lease. All owners must abide by the By-Laws and Rules/Regulations, including, but not limited to, boat usage and Squadron activities. All changes in ownership on boats in a slip must be reported to the TSS Dockmaster immediately. Any disagreement or question must be brought before the Board of Directors for resolution.

S. Living aboard a boat on Squadron property or Squadron controlled docks, or the use of Squadron facilities to support, facilitate, and therefore enable living aboard a boat on the waters of Bal Harbor, is expressly prohibited.

T. All boats in dry slips must be on a functioning boat trailer capable of moving the boat at any time. All boats in dry slips must be secured with tie-downs provided by the boat owner and approved by the Dockmaster.

U. No power boats are to be stored on Squadron property, except those used to further the mission of the Squadron.

V. [Deleted 2014]

W. All dinghies shall be locked to the racks and dinghy oars shall only be accessible to the dinghy owner.

X. No member’s sailboat shall occupy a slip without prior approval of the Dockmaster. To obtain dockmaster approval the member should submit to the dockmaster the Approval Checklist For Wet Slip Leases in the format currently approved by the Board of Directors which is available on the TSS website. All members requesting a wet slip assignment for their sailboat must meet each of the following requirements as foll:

1. No part of any sailboat shall come within 2 feet of the dock, walkway, or seawall. This includes bowsprits, anchors, davits, or anything else
attached to the boat.

2. No sailboat hull shall come closer than 2 feet of the rear pilings.

3. Bowsprits, davits, doomkins, booms, self-steering devices, and attachments to the stern may not extend beyond the inside edge of the
pilings.

4. No sailboat in an assigned slip shall come within 3 feet of any sailboat in the slip next to it as measured from the widest part of the sailboats
when centered in their slips. Any and all exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Board of Directors of TSS.

Y. The use of Air Conditioning units is prohibited on all boats in all dry or wet slips, unless the boats are being actively attended.

Z. Leases for wet and dry slips are effective from January 1 through December 31. At the time of the lease renewal (for members currently in slips) or the initial lease (for members moving into a slip), the member must be in compliance. Compliance means that the member has met the applicable standards set forth below. Compliance is required annually and reported quarterly.

Z.1. All slip lessees, including any co-owners, and slip waiting list members are expected to render service to the Squadron each calendar year and attend a minimum of four membership or Board of Directors meetings each calendar year. Opportunities for service include, but are not limited to, the following: Officer, Board of Directors, Chair or member of a Standing Committee, Chair or member of a Special Committee, Work Parties, Race Committee, Leadership of Youth Sailing or Sea Explorers, Sponsor Squadron cruise, Sponsor potluck dinner, Write newsletter article, Assist with Special Event, Assist with Squadron Regatta, Other service as approved by the Board of Directors or Dockmaster. The Dockmaster, Wet Slip Manager, Dry Slip Manager and Compliance Administrator will review compliance status with help from Fleet Captains, Committee Chairs and activity leaders as needed

Z.2 BOAT MAINTENANCE

a. Wet Slip Boats: The requirements for CURRENT REGISTRATION, PROOF OF LIABILITY INSURANCE, MINIMUM SIZED DOCK LINES, PLUS CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE CONDITION AT ALL TIMES are affirmed. Boat owners shall verify contact information (telephone and email) annually and notify the Dockmaster in a timely manner when the information changes. Sails, masts, canvas and all rigging shall be kept in
proper order and properly secured. Boat bottoms shall be clean.

b. Dry Slip Boats: The requirements for CURRENT REGISTRATION, PROOF OF LIABILITY INSURANCE, FUNCTIONAL/MOVEABLE TRAILERS, APPROVED TIE DOWNS AND CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE CONDITION AT ALL TIMES are affirmed. Boat owners shall verify contact information (telephone and email) annually and notify the Dockmaster in a timely manner when the information changes. Dry slip boats shall be tipped, covered, or maintained in such a manner as to prevent pooling of water in or on the boat. Sails, masts, canvas and all rigging shall be kept in proper order and properly secured. The area immediately surrounding a Dry Slip shall be kept in a neat and tidy manner by the respective Dry Slip Lessee. No materials or accessories are to be stored on the ground. All trailers on Squadron property must be labeled with the owner’s name.

Z.3. BOAT USE: All Dry Slipped boats must be sailed at least twice each calendar year. All boats in wet slips must be sailed in three TSS events per year, including any of the following: a TSS regatta, TSS sponsored event, or TSS sponsored cruise or club race.   Boats are encouraged to display a current USCG safety inspection sticker.  Display of this sticker is accepted in lieu of one of the three required events.

Z.4. If a slip lessee fails to meet the requirements of #Z.1, #Z.2 or #Z.3 by the end of the annual lease period, the lease will not be renewed and the boat will be removed from the slip. The slip lessee may request the Board of Directors to grant a variance due to mitigating circumstances that prevent the slip lessee from meeting these requirements.

Z.5. If a waiting list member fails to meet the requirements If a waiting list member fails to meet the requirements of #Z.1, the member will be dropped from the waiting list. The waiting list member may request the Board of Directors to grant a variance due to mitigating circumstances that prevent the waiting list member from meeting these requirements.

Z. AA. A Slip Lessee that desires to take an extended cruise of six or more months may keep their assigned slip by electing to continue the slip lease payment during their absence. A Cruising Petition must be made to the Board of Directors at the commencement of the cruising period. The Cruising Petition must be updated every six months.

Z.BB When a slip becomes available, it will be made available to an existing slip renter who has requested to move to another slip, if the slip is appropriately sized, as determined by the dockmaster. If more than one member wants to move to a newly available slip, the Dockmaster will determine which member has seniority (i.e. length of membership) in the Squadron and that slip will be offered to slip renters based on seniority. Any disagreements will be brought before the Board of Directors for resolution.

Z.CC If a slip renter transfers any portion of ownership of the boat assigned to the slip after the original signing of the lease, only the original owner will have the right to rent the slip. However, the new partner may have his or her name placed on the appropriate waiting list and, after they become eligible for a slip, they may have the lease changed to show that the slip is rented to both owners.

Z.DD Selected Expenses are defined as Insurance, Real Estate Taxes and the Submerged Lands Lease. Insurance – All of the Insurance expenses, except the inland marine insurance and insurance required by the Submerged Land Lease, are attributed to the membership dues. The inland marine insurance portion is to be divided equally into the total number of wet and dry slips. Real Estate Taxes – The Real Estate Taxes allocated to the wet slips shall be the ratio of the assessed value of the wet slips to the assessed value of the total property. The Real Estate Taxes allocated to the dry slips shall be the ratio of the assessed value of the dry slips to the assessed value of the total property. The remainder of the Real estate Taxes shall be attributed to the membership dues. Submerged Lands Lease – The Submerged Lands Lease and any insurance required solely for the lease ( i.e. Pollution Liability) is allocated entirely to the wet slips. Selected Expenses attributed to wet and dry slips shall be allocated on a per foot basis. Selected Expenses attributed to dues shall be allocated by the total number of regular members.

VIII . ENVIRONMENTAL

A. BOATS AT THE SLIP

1. Fuel: Absorbent pads shall be used when fueling and in the bilge (for boats with an inboard engine). Pads shall be disposed of as household hazardous waste.

2. Oil and oil/fuel filters: Waste oil and used oil/fuel filters shall be placed into a container and removed to an oil recycling facility, such as a service station or commercial auto oil-change business, or disposed of as household hazardous waste, and not in a dumpster or trash can on Squadron property.

3. Bilge water: An absorbent pad that is designed to absorb oil and fuel shall be kept in the bilge on boats with an inboard engine. When the pad becomes saturated, it should be disposed of as household hazardous waste. Oily bilge water shall not be pumped overboard.

4. Holding tanks: Toilets and holding tanks shall not be discharged into the water at the Squadron. Holding tank pumpout stations are available at Land’s End Marina and other marinas in the Tampa Bay area. Porta-potties can be pumped out at Land’s End or another commercial pump out facility or disposed of in members’ home bathrooms. Porta-potties must not be dumped into the toilets at the Squadron, as our septic tank function
will be damaged by the chemicals used in porta-potties.

5. Trash: Trash, including food scraps, shall not be disposed in the water at the Squadron.

6. Soap: Soap and cleaners used for washing boats at the Squadron should be phosphate-free and biodegradable. Amounts used should be kept to a minimum.

B. BOATS AT THE RAILROAD AND YARD

1. Antifouling paint and used oil: Spills of antifouling paint should be avoided and sanding residue should be captured. Used oil and filters shall be disposed as outlined in VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL, A.2 above.

2. Spray painting: Spray painting on the railway is to be done only with the approval of the Dockmaster and the Board of Directors prior to the start of work. Spray can touch-up is allowed (IV. RAILWAY, E). Spray painting is allowed in the yard only with proper containment, such as plastic sheeting, and may not be done on windy days, when paint may drift to other boats, cars, etc., and when fumes may drift to neighboring property.

3. Waste paint: Only empty paint cans, meaning those with less than 1 inch of DRY paint, can be disposed of in the trash at the Squadron. All other cans must be removed from the Squadron and can be disposed of as household hazardous waste. Sandblasting is not allowed at the railway work area.

4. Batteries: Waste batteries must be removed from The Squadron.

C. CLUBHOUSE AND GROUNDS

1. Herbicides and pesticides: Herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions. Relative harm to aquatic life should be a criterion in selecting such products.

2. Dumpster: Hazardous or flammable waste, including paint, solvents, fuel, oil, oily rags, batteries, signal flares, bilge switches that contain mercury, and certain insecticides and herbicides, shall not be disposed of in the Squadron dumpster. Such materials should be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal site or other government-approved site.

3. Burning: Open burning is illegal on Squadron property, except in a designated area with the prior approval of the Board of Directors or in the Squadron fire pit.

4. Motor wash drum: An absorbent pad shall be kept in the 55-gallon drum used for freshwater rinse of outboards. The oily water from the drum shall not be poured into the water.

IX. VIOLATIONS

A. Flagrant violations of these rules and regulations will be cause for the Board of Directors to consider revocation of membership.

Rules and Regulations as of April 2020

06.08.2022