The Long Beach Marina Boat Owners Association recently sat down with Marine Operations Superintendent – Todd Leland, in order to get information relevant to boaters regarding the current COVID-19 crisis.
Considering the unique situation of boat owners we developed the following Q/A regarding practices and recommendations to prevent further spread of Covid-19 virus in compliance with the Safer At Home Orders.
Question/Answers
Q: Will the Marine Bureau be open and staffed?
A: The Marine Bureau will remain staffed, but closed to the public. In-person appointments may be made by calling 562.570.3215 (Alamitos Bay Marina) or 562.570.4950 (Shoreline Marina).
Q: Are we allowed to visit our boats? Other than social distancing are there any restrictions?
A: Yes, However make certain to follow all directives and guidelines associated with the “Safer at Home” order that went effective at midnight on Friday, March 20 for Long Beach and LA County.
Q: Are live-aboards still allowed to live on their boats?
A: Of course. They too are expected to abide by the directives and guidelines of the “Safer at Home” order that went effective at midnight on Friday, March 20 for Long Beach and LA County.
Q: Are we allowed to take our boats out of their slips? Are there any restrictions on where we can take our boats?
A: Yes. Just continue to follow the directives and guidelines of the “Safer at Home” order that went effective at midnight on Friday, March 20 for Long Beach and LA County. There are no on-water restrictions in place at this time.
Q: Can workers still come to our boats? For example: Cleaning the bottom of the boat, mechanics, and those people who wash and wax or otherwise maintain the exterior of our boats?
A: Yes. Just continue to follow the directives and guidelines of the “Safer at Home” order that went effective at midnight on Friday, March 20 for Long Beach and LA County. Please note – It is likely non-essential companies that boat owners employ will be closed in observance of the “Safer at Home” order. (i.e. – bottom cleaning, wash/wax/detailing)
Q: Has/will Marina Patrol stepped-up/enhanced/increased security in the Marina’s? Obviously there are concerns about the safety of our boats, especially since they may be likely targets if shortages become widespread.
A: Marine Patrol and Marina staff will continue to maintain the security of our marinas. We request that our boatowners continue to be vigilant across our docks and report any issues of concern to our marina offices or in the event of an emergency the Police Department utilizing 911.
Q: Will the marina areas continue to be maintained? The birds will not stop pooping and debris will still be prevalent.
A: Marine Maintenance and Beach Maintenance will continue to work every day to maintain our marinas, facilities and beaches.
Q: Are there any special or increased number of cleanings being done in the bathrooms?
A: Marine Maintenance Custodial staff has always utilized disinfectant products to clean and sanitize the marina restrooms, both public and boatowners only, and will continue to do so. Staff has and will continue to institute the appropriate measures to maintain the cleanliness of the restrooms in accordance with COVID-19 response parameters.
Q: Who should we call if we have a problem? Will Marine Patrol be walking the docks and alert us if they see a problem on our boats, like vandalism or sinking?
A: All Marine Bureau operations have remained in place and are active. In the event of an identified issue with a vessel in our marinas the owner will be immediately contacted by the Marine Bureau.
Q: Will we be granted the same protection of other renters in Long Beach such as: a prohibition of late fees and terminations?
A: At this time the City of Long Beach, by order of our Health Department, has temporarily adjusted policy on utility payments. Boat slip fees should not be compared to the community health critical utilities of water, gas, sewer and power. As we move ahead and the response processes to COVID-19 stabilize the Marine Bureau will address unpaid boat slips fees and penalties/late fees associated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Will the pumpouts be maintained?
A: Yes, pump-outs are an essential Marina service and will continue to be maintained.
Q: Will the Marina have a remote video monitoring system?
A: A comprehensive security camera system is on our Marine Bureau capital improvement projects list. For a long-lasting, state-of-the-art system to be installed our marinas will first require a complete and extensive infrastructure upgrade to fiber optic cable. This project is in the planning phase. In the meantime, I do know of quite a few boaters that have video monitoring systems aboard their vessels. These are very similar, if not identical, to the wireless home security systems that can be purchased at home improvement stores.
Q: Do you have any other advice for boat owners? Perhaps the Marina has given this, or similar situation, some thought before we became so overwhelmed.
The two most important things to do are: remain calm and take care of your family, friends and neighbors. The easiest way to do this is to adhere to the directives and guidelines of the “Safer at Home” order that went effective at midnight on Friday, March 20 for Long Beach and LA County. Be a strong practitioner of social-distancing and report any and all issues of concern to the Marine Bureau offices or in the event of emergency to the police department utilizing 911.
RE: Fuel Dock
LBMBOA board members also spoke with Mike Lombardi, General Manager of Dion & Sons the new owners of the fuel docks in both Shoreline and Alamitos Bay.
Q: Will the fuel docks remain open during this period?
A: Yes, Hours are 8am – 5pm. Alamitos Bay Phone number: (562) 594-0888, Shoreline: (562) 491-4636
Q: Do you anticipate any fuel shortages?
A: No. the fuel dock is a gas station and as such is an essential service described as exempt in the Safer at Home order. There are no anticipated fuel shortages. We supply the Coast Guard, Life Guards and other essential operations.
Q: Dion & Sons took over the operation of the fuel docks Feb 1. Tell us a little about the company.
A: Dion & Sons is full service petroleum distributor. The fuel is transported directly from one of our refinery locations to the marina. We used to supply the former fuel dock. We cover Southern California via 6 facilities. We plan substantial renovations to the fuel docks which will become more apparent in the next few months. Prices will be very competitive.