Most property owners on the water will require services from Your Marine Contractor at one time or another. Careful selection of the right contractor for the job can make all the difference in results.
Marine construction encompasses many diverse projects, including coastal erosion control structures, bulkheads, seawalls, groins, and jetties. The equipment involved requires specialized ocean marine insurance coverages not usually provided by dry land contractors.
Marine contractors build important infrastructure in the maritime industry, including marinas, port facilities, shipyards, bridges and causeways, docks, piers, wharves, bulkheads, and cruise terminals. They must be able to handle the unique and complex environmental factors that accompany these structures. In addition, they must comply with rapidly changing regulations at all levels of government, either general or linked to specific maritime activities.
To ensure that your project is done properly, choose a contractor who has a solid track record. Look for companies that have consistently completed projects on time and within budget. Ideally, they will also have experience working in the specific area of your project. A marine contractor who is experienced in constructing coastal projects may be able to save you money and avoid costly mistakes that can lead to expensive delays and unanticipated expenses.
The choice of materials and construction techniques is critical for marine projects. Ask potential marine contractors about their selection process and what they have learned from past projects. This will help you understand their rationale and may give you insight into how they can meet your needs. It is also a good idea to ask them about any unusual problems they encountered on previous projects and whether the owners were satisfied with the results.
Working on or near water poses many more hazards than working on land. Marine contractors are at risk of being swept off their feet by waves, tide action and powerful currents. They must also operate large machinery on workboats that sway with the movement of the waterway, making it difficult to control their movements and putting them at increased risk of injury or death.
When selecting a marine contractor, be sure to evaluate their financial stability. Companies that are unable to manage their finances may be forced to cut corners on safety, maintenance and insurance to make ends meet. This type of short-term thinking can compromise the quality of your project and leave you with unforeseen costs later on. Be sure to look for a company with stable and experienced leadership and strong business ethics.
Certifications
In order to perform marine construction work, you must be licensed by the state. You can find out more about the licensing process by contacting the contractor licensing bureau in your area. Getting licensed is an important step in the process of becoming a Marine Contractor, as it will help you find employment and work in your chosen field.
A Marine Contractor is a tradesman who installs, alters, repairs, or relocates the supporting members of docks and piers. This includes piles or pilings, columns, posts, and stanchions. This scope of work also includes the dredging and filling of waterways, and the construction of sea walls. A person who is licensed as a Marine Contractor can be employed in the execution of these tasks or may direct employees of his/her company to perform them.
The highest maritime certification that a person can obtain is the Master’s license, which allows him/her to manage other specialists and crews. To obtain this advanced degree, you must pass training and get sufficient sea time. This is the most important requirement in any maritime career and might become even more stringent with new STCW rules.
Getting licensed as a marine contractor involves three steps: applying for an entity license, paying a study manual/test fee and passing the exams. After passing the exams, you will be licensed to perform marine contractor services for a period of two years. You must submit proof of continuing education to the MCLB when you renew your license.
In addition to having the proper credentials, you must carry insurance as a marine contractor. This includes workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. This is essential in the event that a claim against you occurs. It will protect your company from financial ruin if a lawsuit is filed against you by an employee or another party.
Lastly, you must keep the MCLB apprised of any changes in contact information or the representative on your marine contractor’s license. This should be done within 5 days of the change. You must also take the Florida Marine Contractor Exams every other year to keep your license active.
Insurance
Marine contractors are exposed to major perils that can shutter their business and sink profits. It is important to have customized insurance to protect against these losses. A marine contractor’s insurance program can include coverage for equipment with waterborne coverage, commercial hull and protection and indemnity (P&I), builder’s risk, and business interruption.
These policies provide protection for the physical damage to a vessel, its cargo and its hull caused by an insured peril such as fire, collision, explosion or vandalism. These policies also provide for salvage, a term that refers to the act of saving or rescuing a ship that is in distress at sea. It is a legal concept that stems from the principle of good seamanship, where sailors are honour-bound to assist vessels in distress. This is a very important part of marine insurance, as it allows for the recovery of costs to save a sinking vessel and its cargo.
It is vital for marine contractors to have adequate commercial general liability coverage to cover claims against them for bodily injury, property damage and personal/advertising injury related to the work they perform on the water. It is a unique exposure and most regular commercial general liability policies exclude coverage for marine activities.
Another type of insurance coverage a marine contractor may need is inland marine coverage. This provides coverage for materials and equipment that are in transit between projects or while awaiting delivery from vendors. It can also protect the marine contractor’s tools and supplies from theft.
A marine contractor can also need workers’ compensation and general business liability coverage. Both of these policies provide protection for employees hired by the marine contractor and others who are working on a project. They can also provide payment for medical expenses and lost wages due to an injury.
It is important for marine contractors to work with an agent that has experience in this field and understands the risks involved. The right agent will help the marine contractor get a policy that is appropriate for their business needs and protects them against the most common losses.
Safety
A marine contractor must take several safety measures to protect their workers and the people around them. These steps include ensuring a safe work environment, implementing safety protocols, and holding crew members accountable for their actions. Additionally, they must ensure their equipment is properly inspected and maintained.
Marine construction projects present unique safety challenges that many other construction professionals do not face. For example, the water can create slippery surfaces and cause slips and falls. It can also pose a threat to pedestrians who walk near worksites. Additionally, this construction niche is prone to weather conditions, such as storms and high winds, that can interfere with the work process and cause safety risks.
To prevent these safety issues, a marine contractor should have a safety manager who oversees the formal safety program and conducts regular training sessions. These sessions can discuss new rules, regulations, and procedures, as well as provide practice exercises to prepare the crew for potential emergency situations. In addition, a marine contractor should also have a designated place to store safety reports, inspections, and training materials. This allows crew members to easily access important information and keep track of all safety protocols.
In addition to these safety protocols, a marine contractor should have a system in place for monitoring employee performance. This system should be accessible to all employees and allow them to view real-time data on their individual performance. This will allow the company to quickly identify any issues and address them immediately.
Moreover, a marine contractor should have a comprehensive safety program that covers all aspects of the business. This includes a detailed safety policy, emergency response plans, and risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The safety program should be documented and communicated to all employees, and supervisors should be held accountable for their role in implementing the policies.
In addition to these safety initiatives, marine contractor should have dedicated insurance to protect their assets and business. This coverage can help them recover from losses caused by natural disasters, accidents, or other unforeseen perils that could halt a project or sink profits.