For service providers
Guides for California marine service providers
For hull cleaners, detailers, mechanics, riggers and other marine service businesses in California: how marina vendor approval works, what insurance harbors ask for, and the paperwork that keeps you working.
Photo: boris misevic on Unsplash
Guides
- GuideCertifications for marine service providers, by tradeWhich credentials California marinas and owners look for: hull-cleaning BMP training, ABYC, NMEA, EPA 608, USCG captain's licenses and the Boater Card.
- GuideGet your marine service business found onlineA Google Business Profile done right, honest review requests across platforms, and a simple website owners can actually use. Rules from Google and the FTC.
- GuideHow to become a hull diver in CaliforniaWhat hull cleaning work involves, the dive and BMP credentials California harbors ask for, permits, and the safety rules once you hire divers.
- GuideHow to become a marine electrician in CaliforniaABYC and NMEA credentials, boat wiring vs dock wiring, the experience requirements, and what California marinas ask for before you work aboard.
- GuideHow to become a marine mechanic in CaliforniaTraining paths, ABYC and manufacturer certifications, what the federal job data says, and what you need to work on boats in California marinas.
- GuideHow to become an approved vendor at a California marinaSeven steps to working in California marinas: who sets the rules, permits, insurance certificates, credentials, the packet, on-site rules and renewals.
- GuideInsurance for marine service providers in CaliforniaWhy ordinary liability can leave boat work uncovered, the marine coverages marinas ask for, and how certificates and additional-insured endorsements work.
- GuideRunning a mobile pump-out business in CaliforniaClean Vessel Act rules, county liquid-waste hauler permits, where sewage can go, insurance for your own boat, and keeping logs marinas can check.
- GuideStarting a hull-cleaning business in CaliforniaPort of San Diego permit, Marina del Rey ID and BMP certification, Santa Barbara BMP training, copper paint rules, dive certifications and diving safety rules.
- GuideStarting a marine service business in CaliforniaEntity, DBA, EIN, city licenses, the seller's permit 10% parts rule, contractor licensing, workers' comp and the federal recreational-boat exclusion.
Harbors and data
- PageAlamitos Bay Marina, Long BeachAlamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull…
- PageAnacapa Isle Marina, OxnardAnacapa Isle Marina in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageBalboa Yacht Basin, Newport BeachBalboa Yacht Basin in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageBayshore Marina, Newport BeachBayshore Marina in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dat…
- PageBerkeley Marina, BerkeleyBerkeley Marina in Berkeley: the vendor and owner rules Berkeley Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideBottom paint in CaliforniaAntifouling bottom paint in California: copper limits, how long copper and non-copper coatings last, and what goes into a bottom job quote.
- PageBrickyard Cove Marina, RichmondBrickyard Cove Marina in Richmond: the vendor and owner rules Brickyard Cove Marina (Point Richmond) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with source…
- PageBurton Chace Park Marina, Marina del ReyBurton Chace Park Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- DataCalifornia marina vendor requirementsPermits, fees, insurance minimums, additional-insured wording and hull-cleaning rules at 24 California harbors and marinas, each with its source and date.
- PageCalifornia Yacht Club Marina, Marina del ReyCalifornia Yacht Club Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideCanvas and upholstery in CaliforniaMarine canvas and upholstery in California: covers, biminis and cushions, how sales tax applies to fabrication, and what to tell a canvas shop.
- PageChannel Islands Harbor, OxnardChannel Islands Harbor in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageChula Vista Marina, Chula VistaChula Vista Marina in Chula Vista: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageClipper Yacht Harbor, SausalitoClipper Yacht Harbor in Sausalito: the vendor and owner rules Clipper Yacht Harbor (Sausalito) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageDana Point Harbor Marina, Dana PointDana Point Harbor Marina in Dana Point: the vendor and owner rules Dana Point Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageDana West Marina, Dana PointDana West Marina in Dana Point: the vendor and owner rules Dana Point Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageDel Rey Yacht Club Marina, Marina del ReyDel Rey Yacht Club Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideDetailing in CaliforniaBoat washing, waxing and detailing in California: what's included, marina rules on soaps and runoff, and the factors that set the price.
- PageDriscoll's Whaler's Cove Marina, San DiegoDriscoll's Whaler's Cove Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with…
- PageFisherman's Village Marina, Marina del ReyFisherman's Village Marina in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageGlorietta Bay Marina, CoronadoGlorietta Bay Marina in Coronado: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageGrand Marina, AlamedaGrand Marina in Alameda: the vendor and owner rules Grand Marina (Alameda) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageHarbor Island Marina, San DiegoHarbor Island Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- GuideHaul-out in CaliforniaHauling a boat out in California: why and how often it happens, what yards charge for separately, and rules for outside contractors in boatyards.
- GuideHull cleaning in CaliforniaWhat in-water hull cleaning involves in California, suggested intervals for copper and non-copper paints, permits divers need, and what drives the price.
- PageKona Kai Marina, San DiegoKona Kai Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and date…
- PageLido Marina Village, Newport BeachLido Marina Village in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and…
- PageLong Beach Marina, Long BeachLong Beach Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cl…
- PageMarina del Rey, Marina del ReyMarina del Rey in Marina del Rey: the vendor and owner rules Marina del Rey publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- GuideMarine electrical in CaliforniaMarine electrical work in California: shore power safety and electric shock drowning, ELCI and GFCI protection, and the credentials owners can check.
- GuideMarine refrigeration and air conditioning in CaliforniaBoat refrigeration and air conditioning service in California: EPA 608 certification for refrigerant work, ABYC credentials, and what to tell a tech.
- PageMarriott Marquis Marina, San DiegoMarriott Marquis Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources…
- GuideMobile marine mechanic in CaliforniaMobile marine engine service in California: outboard service intervals, what affects the bill, waste rules for mobile techs, and how to vet a mechanic.
- PageMonterey Harbor Marina, MontereyMonterey Harbor Marina in Monterey: the vendor and owner rules Monterey Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageMonterey Municipal Marina, MontereyMonterey Municipal Marina in Monterey: the vendor and owner rules Monterey Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageMoss Landing Harbor, Moss LandingMoss Landing Harbor in Moss Landing: the vendor and owner rules Moss Landing Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageNewport Harbor, Newport BeachNewport Harbor in Newport Beach: the vendor and owner rules Newport Harbor (Newport Beach) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and date…
- PageOyster Point Marina, South San FranciscoOyster Point Marina in South San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules Pillar Point Harbor & Oyster Point Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning),…
- PagePeninsula Yacht Anchorage, OxnardPeninsula Yacht Anchorage in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PagePier 39 Marina, San FranciscoPier 39 Marina in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules PIER 39 Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PagePillar Point Harbor, Half Moon BayPillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay: the vendor and owner rules Pillar Point Harbor & Oyster Point Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with…
- PagePoint Loma Marina, San DiegoPoint Loma Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and da…
- GuidePump-out in CaliforniaHolding tank pump-out in California: mobile boat-to-boat service versus stations, discharge rules, the $5 cap at grant-funded stations, and hauler permits.
- PageRainbow Harbor Marina, Long BeachRainbow Harbor Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hul…
- GuideRigging in CaliforniaSailboat rigging service in California: standing and running rigging inspections, what drives the cost, and what marinas and insurers expect of riggers.
- PageSacramento Marina, SacramentoSacramento Marina in Sacramento: the vendor and owner rules Sacramento Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSan Diego Yacht Club Marina, San DiegoSan Diego Yacht Club Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sour…
- PageSan Francisco Marina, San FranciscoSan Francisco Marina in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules San Francisco Marina publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSanta Barbara Harbor Marina, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Harbor Marina in Santa Barbara: the vendor and owner rules Santa Barbara Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and d…
- PageSanta Barbara Yacht Club Marina, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Yacht Club Marina in Santa Barbara: the vendor and owner rules Santa Barbara Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources a…
- PageSanta Cruz Harbor Marina, Santa CruzSanta Cruz Harbor Marina in Santa Cruz: the vendor and owner rules Santa Cruz Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSeaforth Marina, San DiegoSeaforth Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules Seaforth Marina (Mission Bay) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageShelter Island Marina, San DiegoShelter Island Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources an…
- PageShoreline Marina, Long BeachShoreline Marina in Long Beach: the vendor and owner rules Long Beach marinas (Alamitos Bay, Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cle…
- PageSouth Beach Harbor, San FranciscoSouth Beach Harbor in San Francisco: the vendor and owner rules South Beach Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageSouthwestern Yacht Club Marina, San DiegoSouthwestern Yacht Club Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with s…
- PageSunroad Resort Marina, San DiegoSunroad Resort Marina in San Diego: the vendor and owner rules San Diego Bay (Port of San Diego) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources an…
- PageVentura Harbor Marina, VenturaVentura Harbor Marina in Ventura: the vendor and owner rules Ventura Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageVentura Isle Marina, VenturaVentura Isle Marina in Ventura: the vendor and owner rules Ventura Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageVintage Marina, OxnardVintage Marina in Oxnard: the vendor and owner rules Channel Islands Harbor publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and dates.
- PageWestpoint Harbor, Redwood CityWestpoint Harbor in Redwood City: the vendor and owner rules Westpoint Harbor (Redwood City) publishes (permits, insurance, hull cleaning), with sources and da…
- GuideZincs and anodes in CaliforniaZinc and anode replacement in California: when to replace them, how divers usually handle it, how they're billed, and what fast zinc loss can mean.
Free tools for providers
- ToolBoat service price sheet builderSet your rates by service and boat length, sail or power, with frequency discounts, then print or share the sheet as a link. Nothing is stored.
- FormCertificate of insurance request letterWrite a letter asking your broker for a certificate and additional-insured endorsement with a California harbor's published wording. Print or copy.
- ToolDay route planner for marine service providersPlan a day of boat jobs across marinas: schedule, finish time, revenue and real dollars per hour once drive and walk time are counted.
- ToolHarbor permit plannerPick the California harbors you want to work in and see the published permit and ID fees, insurance minimums, licenses and renewal dates in one list.
- ToolHourly rate calculator for marine service businessesWork out the minimum hourly rate (and per-foot rate) that covers your take-home pay, overhead, taxes and unbilled time. Free, runs in your browser.
- FormHull cleaning service logA printable log for each hull cleaning: paint age, pads used, plume check, zincs and diver certification. Flags cleanings inside 90 days of new paint.
- ToolJob profitability check for boat service jobsCompare a job's quote with what actually happened: effective hourly rate, margin, and the price that would have hit your target margin.
- ToolMarina insurance coverage checkCompare your liability limits with California harbors' published vendor insurance minimums, and get the list of endorsements and paperwork to confirm.
- FormMarina vendor packet checklistA printable checklist of what California marinas ask vendors for. Pick a harbor to add its published permit, insurance and wording.
- ToolMarine service job estimator and quote builderBuild an itemized quote for a boat job: labor, parts, per-foot work, trip and marina fees, sales tax on parts. Prints as a clean quote. Free.
- FormPermit and insurance renewal trackerTrack harbor permits, ID cards, insurance certificates and BMP recertification. Shows days left and exports reminders to your calendar.
- FormPump-out service logA printable pump-out log for mobile operators and liveaboards: vessel, slip, gallons, where the waste went and who signed. Totals gallons and flags gaps.
- ToolRecurring service plan pricerTurn a per-visit price into monthly plan prices for weekly to quarterly service, with annual revenue per boat and a comparison across frequencies.