Scituate Marina Rules prohibited dock boxes at all marinas in 2023. New docks were installed at Cole Parkway Marina (CPM) in 2023 to create handicap accessibility. CPM docks are now too narrow to allow safe egress with dock boxes in place leading to prohibition of dock boxes at all town marinas in the Marina Rules. However, docks at Scituate Marine Park (SMP) are 8' wide providing enough handicap egress in excess of ADA guidelines of 36". SMP dock egress would be more than double what is required with dock boxes in place (in the event that handicap access on the docks is added).

ADA Guideline links below:

I. Federal ADA Guideline For Recreational Marinas

https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-boating-facilities/#boats-slips

II. MA ADA Guidelines For Recreational Marinas (Consistent w/ Federal Guidelines)

https://www.mass.gov/doc/521-cmr-1900-recreational...

SMP currently lacks adequate security, lighting, and is wide open to access from the parking lot, boat yard, and non-member patrons attending functions at the Maritime Center. Unlike CPM, SMP is not manned by full-time Harbormaster staff. Securing our real property on our boats at SMP is a valid concern. Multiple felonies occurred this summer both at SMP and on moored boats in the harbor., Dock boxes provide a means to secure and safeguard our expensive and valuable gear, tools, and required safety equipment.

Cited items prohibiting dock boxes in 2023 are detailed below:

• Safe Egress on docks.
• Possible damage to infrastructure and dock framing.
• Potential hazards to water and electrical wiring within in the 8 foot docks.

On 11/3/23 the Scituate Waterways Commission (SWC) reviewed this petition from 32 slip holders who petitioned unanimously in support of dock boxes. This petition contains slip holder recommendations presented to the SWC at both the October and November SWC meetings following robust support at the June, July, September SWC. The SWC voted seven (7) to one (1) in support of the SH recommendations and motioned to support an Addendum to the Marina Rules permitting dock boxes at SMP.

Suggestions & Findings from Scituate Marine Park Slip Holders:

• The SMP docks are 8 feet in width, offering ample width for a proposed maximum 2’ by 8’ by 3’ dock box, if a slip holder elected to request one. https://www.westmarine.com/west-marine-standard-large-dock-box-6933550.html
• Any hazards or damage to pier infrastructure to include water or electrical can be mitigated with hardware that does not screw into dock (See link in #4 below).
• Based on the current dock design, dock electrical and water services are safely located in the center of the 8 foot wide floats well away from the outer edge where a typical dock box would be placed.
• The float builder could provide a schematic sketch of the SMP dock design & framing system of the floats.
• No drilling for screws securing dock boxes to not impact float/dock integrity.
• The Harbormaster staff or designee could provide assistance of the placement and securing of the dock boxes and/or provide standard hardware options to securing the dock boxes i.e. stainless steel toggle bolt fastening locations.
• Based on the number of dock boxes (<20) previously at SMP, we feel dock boxes would be a minimal request of 20 or less that can be safely overseen by SHM staff.
• The SMP does have security cameras at Maritime Center. However, there are no security measures to prevent an unauthorized person(s) from entering the dock area.
• The SMP had a few incidents of felonious activity in the Summer 2023; in which fishing gear and real-property was stolen from moored vessels and trespassers were recorded on docks.
• We feel dock boxes provide an additional layer of security to secure essential gear a boat is equipped with.
• We concur that no hazardous, flammable or dangerous materials should be secured in dock boxes.
• There are many fiberglass dock boxes that are standard. Some slip holders may elect to construct a custom dock box. These should also be done in good taste and not exceed proposed maximum dimensions of 2' x 8' x 3'.
• Dock box issuance shall be fair and equitable.
• Recommend adding a caveat to the town billing system indicating the slip holder has or does not have a dock box for accounting/managerial purposes. This would provide a way to alleviate errant/un-permitted dock boxes.

Suggested Rules & Regulations of SMP dock boxes:

1. All dock boxes for Scituate Marine Park (SMP) shall be registered and/or permitted with the SMH each year for compliance and proper securing to docks/floats.
2. Dock boxes shall not impact water and electrical pedestals
3. Dock boxes shall not impact dock walkability/egress (see MA ADA guidelines above).
4. No screwing into docks. Standard S/S hardware shall be used to secure dock boxes, per direction of the Harbormaster or designee. Dock box can be affixed to the dock with fasteners that do not damage docks. https://www.amazon.com/Toggle-HSCGIN-Stainless-But...
5. Harbormaster shall have the right to reject dock boxes not in compliance to regulations. Non-compliant dock boxes are subject to fines and removal at the slip holder’s expense.
6. Harbormaster reserves the right to remove or relocate dock boxes for mechanical, safety, or other service needs for the docks.
7. Dock boxes shall not house/contain any hazardous, flammable, or adverse chemical supplies.
8. Dock boxes are permitted each year from May 15th/ thru 15 Oct. each boating season.
9. All dock/slip fees and yearly deposit shall be paid before a dock box can be permitted/approved by the Harbormaster
10. Damage to dock boxes is the sole responsibility of the permitted owner of dock box, the Town is not responsible for theft or damage of dock boxes.
11. Unauthorized placement or securing of a dock box that causes dock damage is the responsibility of the permit holder.
12. A proposed seasonal dock box fee of $75-$125 shall be paid to Enterprise Fund to cover expenses for the above.

In closing, dock boxes have been in use for decades at SMP without incident until 2023. They provide security for real property on our boats, offer stowage for safety & fishing equipment, and reduce unnecessary and avoidable burdens for slip holders. Please support the slip holder recommendations for dock box permitting above to add an Addendum to Marina Rules for Dock Box Regulations by supporting this petition.

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

*********** Scituate Marine Park Slip Members ONLY **********