Rules of the Road Entering / Departing the Marina

• The following rules and regulations have been set to control the movement of vessels entering, leaving, and within Ocean Marina.
• All vessels are advised that there are coral heads on both sides of the buoyed entrance channel; small shallow draft vessels must give way to large or deep draft vessels within the channel approach.
• The maximum speed within Ocean Marina and entrance channel is 5 knots or less if your vessel makes a big wash.
• Vessels entering or leaving through Ocean Marina entrance channel are to keep to starboard so that vessels pass port to port. No vessel is permitted to overtake or attempt to overtake another vessel within Ocean Marina, the channel entrance, or the channel approach.
• Vessels approaching Ocean Marina shall give one prolonged blast on the whistle of 5 seconds at least 200 meters from the entrance to be answered by any vessels just about to leave via the channel with one 5 second blast. Vessels leaving via the channel are not normally required to give any warning signal (see below for exception).
• Large vessels in excess of 65 ft ., vessels with restricted maneuverability, vessels under tow, vessels with a beam in excess of 10 meters , or vessels with a draft in excess of 2.5 meters , shall:
• Radio to the Marina Office for entrance priority on radio channels 12 (156.60 MHz) or 80 at least 30 minutes prior to their estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the entrance and shall give five 7 second blasts on the whistle with 3 second intervals between each blast at least 500 meters from the entrance, with three 5 second blasts 200 meters from the entrance as danger signals.
• Vessels of 100 ft . or more shall give a 60 minute ETA warning and shall give the same audible warnings but at 1,000 meters , and 500 meters , from the entrance.
• Vessels leaving Ocean Marina shall normally have precedence over vessels entering Ocean Marina unless:
• The incoming vessel has given the danger signal.
• The Dock Master has given prior warning.
• The departure warning lights are at red or a red flag is flying on the port entrance breakwater.
• All vessels other than very small dinghies shall leave or enter Ocean Marina under power, not sail.
• Vessels within Ocean Marina who are already under way in the fairways between slips shall have the right of way over vessels leaving or entering a dock, berth, or slip. Vessels in the main fairway channel shall have the right of way over boats exiting or entering fairways between slips.
• Skippers/captains of vessels ignoring these rules will be discipline in accordance with the rules and regulations of Ocean Marina.