Port Authority

Marinas  |   Services/Fees  |   Slip Rental Fees
Parking  |   Slip Waiting List  |   Feedback

Rules & Regulations Governing the Assignment of Slips Rules for Your Boat & Slip Rules for the Dock Noise & Disturbances Selling Your Boat Safety & Courtesy Regulations for Doing Business in Port Authority Marinas Ordinances & Penalties Governing the Harbor Watercraft User Fees Infractions Indemnification Lawful Use Enforcement Costs Insurance Washington Park Marina - General Information Appendix A - Rules of the Road

Washington Park and Trail Creek Marinas are classed as among the finest on the Great Lakes. Please help maintain these standards by following some simple rules and regulations. Acquaint yourself, your crew and guests with these rules.

1. Initial Assignment: Person or persons desiring a slip must:
   1. Appear in person at the Port Authority Office
   2. Fill out application for slip by length desired
   3. Pay $20.00 filing fee - non-refundable
   4. Provide proof of primary residence location
   5. Provide proof of partnership if filing as such
   6. Provide proof of insurance prior to occupying slip
2. Slips Will Be Assigned in the following order on a first-come basis:
   1. To residents of the Michigan City School District
   2. To residents of LaPorte County
   3. To residents of Indiana
   4. To out-of-state residents
3. Re-assignment of Slips:
   The following will be allowed:
   1. To either partner when a partnership is dissolved, providing the partnership was registered when slip was originally assigned
   2. To the original assignee when a partnership is dissolved which took place after the original assignment of the slip
   3. To a surviving member of the slip holder's immediate family, in case of death of the original assignee
    The following will NOT be allowed:
   1. To be sold with the boat under any conditions
   2. To be assigned to a partner in a dissolved partnership, said partnership having taken place after the date of original slip assignment, unless he/she was the original assignee
   3. To an assignee survivor, other than the slip holder's immediate family
4. Special Regulations: As the Washington Park and Trail Creek Marinas are intended especially for the use of family pleasure boating, the Port Authority reserves the right to limit the number of slips assigned to Charter Boats and to high performance racing craft.
5. Refunds:Refund of rental fees will be made on a prorated basis up to July 1. Requests made after July 1 will not be granted and slip will be forfeited.

1. Advise Marina Office 24 hours prior to launching your boat so that your slip can be open.
2. Place Your Washington Park Marina Sticker in a Highly Visible Place to identify your boat as a bona fide resident in the Marina.
3. Leaving Marina For Overnight Trips: You MUST advise the Marina Office before leaving on overnight (or longer) trips. The Marina has the right to rent your slip on an overnight basis while you are gone.
4. Returning To The Marina After Trips: You MUST advise the Marina Office at least 24 hours before returning so your slip will be available. Otherwise we cannot guarantee that it will be open.
5. Sailing In Basin: The marina basin is too congested to operate sailboats without power. Please do not raise your sails until you are out of the harbor.
6. Trolling in the marina is prohibited.
7. Use Of Dinghies, Inflatables and Personal Watercraft (PWC):
   1. All dinghies, inflatables and PWC used in the marina and owned by marina slip holders, shall first be identified and marked by the Marina Office. Such identification and marking shall be done each year. The Harbormaster shall determine which dinghies, inflatables and PWC are so authorized for use in the Marina and the Harbormaster’s decision in this matter shall be final.
   2. Dinghies,inflatables and PWC shall not be operated by persons under fifteen (15) years of age, unless accompanied by an adult.
   3. Dinghies, inflatables and PWC shall give way to all boat traffic, moored boats and the fuel dock area unless obtaining fuel.
   4. Dinghies, inflatables and PWC must be stored on the slipholder’s boat or within the confines of the slip when not in use.
   5. Dinghies and inflatables may not be stored in the finger pier or the main pier.
   6. Slip holders shall be limited to two (2) of either dinghies, inflatables or PWC stored within their slip or a restricted slip designated by the Harbormaster.
8. Tying and Care of Boat: Slip holders are responsible for properly securing boats in slip and will be held accountable for damages caused by negligence. A strong line properly tied is the best insurance. Additional cleats may be requested for a fee.
9. Accidents: Regardless of fault, report ALL accidents to the Marina Office immediately. If the Marina Office is closed, please contact Port Authority Security on Channel 9 of your marina radio.
10. Fueling Your Boat: Do not fuel your boat at your slip or any location other than the marina fuel dock. If there is ever a need to transport fuel to your boat while moored in the marina, please contact the Harbormaster for assistance. Try to fuel at a later time if the fuel dock is crowded. Fuel dock attendant determines order of service. During regular hours while attendant is on duty, payment for fuel may be made by cash, check, or credit card. A self-service pump is available allowing fueling by Visa or Mastercard after hours until 11:00 PM. Leave immediately after servicing. Debark all passengers and have captain or mate personally handle fueling. For your own protection, adhere to the following U.S. Coast Guard Marina Fueling Safety Procedures:
    • Make sure boat is securely tied to the fuel dock.
    • No smoking or open flames of any type.
    • Turn off all engines, electrical equipment and do not operate any switches or electronic gear
    • Close all ports (windows) and hatches (doors) before fueling
    • Fill all portable tanks on dock
    • To avoid static electrical sparks, keep dispensing nozzle in contact with fuel tank’s metal fill pipe, or gas containers metal side.
    • Do not block dispensing nozzle open
    • Advise dock attendant or Harbormaster in the event of a gas or oil spill
    • Keep fire extinguisher handy
    • Open ports and hatches after fueling and ventilate - smell for gasoline fumes, run bilge blower for at least four (4) minutes before starting engine
    • If engine fails to start or stalls after starting, ventilate for an additional four (4) minutes before restarting engine
11. Fuel and Oil Spills: Use extreme care topping off tanks to avoid fuel spills. Federal statutes prohibit pumping oil from bilges. This rule will be strictly enforced.
12. Double Mooring: Only one boat per slip is allowed.
13. Use of Sailboards is prohibited throughout the Marina.
14. Insurance: Each slip holder shall obtain and maintain in effect comprehensive general public liability insurance (including watercraft liability) with limits of not less than $250,000 in the event of bodily injury or death to any number of persons or property damage in any one occurrence and $500,000 from the aggregate of all occurrences within a policy year. A certificate of insurance shall be delivered to the Marina Office prior to mooring a boat in the Marina. Each insurance policy shall provide (and any certificate evidencing the existence of each such insurance policy shall certify) that such insurance policy shall not be canceled or amended (other than to increase the amount of coverage) unless the Port Authority shall have received twenty (20) days prior written notice of such cancellation or amendment from the insurer or the insurance agent. Neither the issuance of any insurance policy required hereunder nor the minimum limits specified herein with respect to each slipholder’s insurance coverage shall be deemed to limit or restrict in any way a slipholder’s liability.

1. Docks: Any changes or additions to the docks must have prior approval by the Harbormaster and the Port Authority Board of Directors. Any unapproved changes that need to be corrected by the Port Authority will be billed to the slipholder.
2. Mooring Lines and Water Hoses: To avoid pedestrian accidents, loose hoses and mooring lines on the docks are prohibited.
3. Electric Cables: Cables must be unplugged from outlet box when your boat leaves the slip. Cables cannot be strung across the dock for extra service. If you have an electrical problem, contact the Marina Office.
4. Washing Boats: Be considerate. Don’t spray your neighbors boat or use harsh chemicals that may harm others.
5. Painting: Spray painting or power sanding in slips or on docks is forbidden. Protect piers, piling, and your neighbors boat when brush painting. Disposal of paint or varnish cans in marina garbage cans is strictly prohibited.
6. Cooking: No open fires or charcoal grills are permitted on boats or docks.
7. Heaters: Open flame heaters and Coleman-type lanterns are forbidden.
8. Trash Disposal: Keep docks and finger piers free of trash. Litter must be disposed of in waste containers provided. Disposal of liquid waste in marina garbage cans is strictly prohibited.
9. Vehicles on Docks: Do not ride vehicles of any kind on docks (bicycles, mopeds, etc.). Powered vehicles must be pushed with power off.
10. Rollerblade and Skateboard use on the docks or in any marina facility is strictly prohibited.
11. Marina Property: A slipholder shall be liable for any damage to the piers, docks or any other part of the marina, caused by negligence on the part of the slipholder, the slipholder’s agent, guests, licensees, or invitees. All personal property shall be stored in slipholder's dock box or boat. No personal property of any kind shall be stored on the docks or piers. No picnic tables, umbrellas, or tents shall be placed upon the docks or piers. Do not deface any part of the marina including, without limitation, putting names on dock boxes, carpeting on finger piers, or erecting or constructing any structures.
12. Hazardous Substances: Slip holders shall not handle, store, transport, process, dispose of or use any substance, material, or waste, which poses a public health or environmental threat, or which is regulated by any federal, state, county, or local governmental authority or quasi governmental authority (“Hazardous Substances”), in any manner which could cause a release or create a threat of release of such Hazardous Substances on, in, or about the Marina or any navigable waterway within the city limits, or which would violate or give rise to any liability under any applicable federal, state, county, or local laws, statues, orders, rules, and regulations relating to the environment, public health, and safety.
13. Boat Repairs: All providers of engine, electrical or electronic repair services must register with the Port Authority and have on file a “Certificate of Liability Insurance” with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 on a combined single limit basis written by a reputable and acceptable insurance company. A “hold harmless” agreement must also be executed and filed with the Port Authority by such repair service people or firms. All repair/maintenance persons must register with the Marina Office upon entering and leaving the Marina. Disposal of engine parts in marina trash cans is strictly prohibited.
14. Oil: Use barrel provided at the Marina Maintenance Building for oil disposal. Only oil, not water, fuel, etc. may be placed in barrels. Disposal of oil in marina trash cans is strictly prohibited.
15. Pets: No pets are allowed in any Marina building. Keep pets on a leash. Use posted dog walks only. Remove pet waste immediately.
16. Fishing: Fishing off piers or boats in the Marina is prohibited. Do not clean fish on boat, piers, or dock carts. Use fish cleaning station.
17. Gates: Upon entering and leaving the Marina, all gates must be locked. Propping open a gate and leaving the area is strictly forbidden.
18. Swimming: Absolutely no swimming at any time in the Marina.
19. Sails: Dry and fold sails on shore, not on the docks.
20. Dock Boxes: Batteries, paints, caustics, corrosives, fuels and the like cannot be stored in dock boxes. Expect periodic checks by Fire Inspectors. The Port Authority shall not be considered a bailee of any personal property stored in the dock boxes and shall not be responsible for the security of such personal property or for any loss or damage thereto, whether or not due to theft, negligence or otherwise. A slipholder that has elected to renew his or her slip for the next boating season shall have the right to store personal property in dock boxes after the end of the boating season provided that the slipholder notifies the Port Authority and makes the required deposit for the next boating season. Upon request from the Port Authority, the slipholder shall remove the contents of the dock box. In the event that a slipholder fails to remove the contents of the dock box within seven (7) days after request by the Port Authority, the slipholder hereby agrees that the Port Authority shall have the right to remove the contents without liability for trespass. All property removed from the dock boxes by the Port Authority may be handled, removed or stored by the Port Authority at the cost and expense of the slipholder, and the Port Authority shall in no event be responsible for the value, preservation or safekeeping thereof. A slipholder shall pay Port Authority for all costs and expenses incurred by the Port Authority in such removal and for storage charges for such property, so long as the same shall be in Port Authority’s possession or under Port Authority’s control.
21. Fire Hoses: Use for emergencies only.

1. Music: Consider your neighbors and keep music volume down and other noise to a minimum.
2. Nighttime: Be especially quiet at night and early morning. Neighbors may be trying to sleep. Show the same courtesy that you would expect.
3. Fireworks and Sparklers: All kinds of fireworks, including sparklers, are forbidden in the Marina.
4. Sailors: Tying down halyards before departing will prevent noisy rattling in the wind.
5. Children: YOU are responsible for your children. Small children and those who cannot swim should wear life preservers on the docks. No running on the docks. Water fights are prohibited. Children under the age of 12 should not be left unattended on Marina property. Unless with a parent or responsible adult, the Marina has a curfew for all young people in the docks and grounds.
   
   Children under 15 - 10:00 p.m.
   Children 15 -18 - 11:00 p.m.
   
6. Guests: Slipholders are responsible for seeing that their guests abide by Marina Rules.
7. Guest Parking: Vehicles without permits will be ticketed and/or towed at owner's expense. Slip holders may pick up one-day guest passes at the Marina Office when available. Guest parking is designated by the Harbormaster and may not be available during holidays and special events.

1. Notification: Marina Office must be notified when a boat is sold.
2. Subleasing: Subleasing slips is prohibited.
3. New Boats: Inform Marina Office when mooring a different boat in your slip. If new boat is larger than current boat, advise Marina Office ahead of time. The NEW BOAT MAY NOT FIT and may require slip reassignment.
4. Transfer Requests:
   1. The fee for any applicant wishing to be placed on the transfer list is $10.00
   2. If you are notified that the Port Authority has a slip for you and you refuse two times, your name will be taken off of the list. However, you can be put back on the list as a new applicant. Once you are assigned to a different location, your transfer request is considered fulfilled.
5. Additional Boats: If you plan to alternate use of more than one boat in slip, register each boat with the Marina Office.

1. Speed Limit: 5MPH - NO WAKE
2. Use common sense, good boatmanship, courtesy and observe all safety rules at all times. Your good judgment will continue to make this Marina successful and safe for all. Let’s all work together to make this a better Marina by following these Rules and Regulations. If you see anyone violating these rules, notify the Harbormaster or Marina representative.

1. Anyone conducting any commercial business from their boat within any Port Authority Facility must register themselves and their boat with the Port Authority on forms provided at the Marina Office.
2. A private owner wishing to sell his boat does not constitute conducting business from his boat, but he must notify the Port Authority for security reasons.

1. No anchored vessel to obstruct other vessels - No vessel or watercraft shall be moored or anchored in the harbor or laid up alongside any dock in such a manner as to interfere with or hinder the passage of any other vessels, crafts, or floats as determined by the Marina Director. Penalty: Violators of the above regulations shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $200 for each offense. Each and every day that a violation shall exist or continue shall be considered a separate violation or offense.
2. No vessel to hinder bridge movement - No vessel or water craft shall be moored, laid up, brought to a stop, or anchored within the harbor or waters under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority so as to interfere with or hinder the opening, closing or operation of any bridge across any of the waters under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority. Penalty: Violators of the above regulations shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $200 for each offense. Each and every day that a violation shall exist or continue shall be considered a separate violation or offense.
3. Holding tanks on boats - Before any boat which is equipped with a water closet or toilet enters any navigable waters within the city limits, the owner of the boat shall provide the Port Authority with a written statement, signed by the owner or the duly authorized representative, that the boat is equipped with a holding tank of capacity to store waste for subsequent disposal at approved shoreside facilities, incinerator, or treatment system as is required by the laws of the State of Indiana, and that the boat has no through-hull discharge from water closet or toilet which will permit overboard discharge of waste. Penalty: Any owner of a boat, or his duly authorized representative, who fails to comply, shall be fined not more than $300.
4. Harbor Regulations - All slipholders and their guests shall comply with the City of Michigan City Harbor Regulations (Municipal Code Section 94.10 et. Seq.)
5. Compliance Orders - All slipholders and their guests shall comply with all orders and directions of the Harbormaster and the Assistant Harbormaster concerning compliance with the Harbor Regulations and the rules and regulations of the Port Authority.

1. Each boater must pay to the Port Authority a watercraft user fee (Michigan City Ordinance 3306). All boats must display a watercraft user fee sticker at all times.
   1. User Fees:
      Boats 30' and under - $ .75 per foot
      Boats over 30' - $1.50 per foot

1. Any infraction of the rules and regulations may subject the slip holder to Port Authority proceedings that could result in fines and/or the loss of slip privileges, which would be determined by the Board of Directors.

Each slip holder hereby releases, indemnifies, protects, defends and holds harmless the Port Authority and its directors, officers, agents, elected and appointed officials and employees from and against any and all loss, damages, liabilities, claims, liens, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, in connection with injuries to any persons or damage to or theft or misappropriation or loss of property occurring in or about the Marina, or arising from the slipholder’s occupancy or presence in the Marina, or from any activity, work, or thing done, permitted or suffered by the slip holder in or about the Marina, or from any breach or violation of the rules and regulations of the Port Authority or due to any other act or omission of any slip holder or their employees, guests, customers, agents, licensees or invitees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall be deemed to exempt the Port Authority from liability or damages for injury to persons or damage to property caused by or resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of the Port Authority, or its directors, officers, agents or employees.

Slip holders shall not occupy or use, or permit any portion of the slip or the Marina to be occupied or used, for any purpose, which is illegal or unlawful. Each slip holder shall comply with all federal, state, county and municipal codes, laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, permits, licenses and authorizations.

A slip holder shall pay all of the Port Authority’s costs, charges and expenses, including without limitation court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Port Authority in connection with a slipholder’s breach or violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Port Authority.

1. Season - Opens April 1 and closes November 1. Water services will be available at the discretion of the Port Authority management. Water will be turned off October 20.
2. Seasonal Rates - A $200 deposit is due on or before November 15. This deposit is returned in full if no damage occurs. If no deposit is received, the slip will be reassigned. 50% of balance due January 15, remaining balance due March 1. No refunds after March 1. All balances left unpaid after due dates will be assessed a monthly 1.5% late fee. Payments must be made in full before your boat will be allowed in the marina. It is essential that the Port Authority office is notified in the event you plan to remove your boat from the marina. A $15.00 fee per night will be charged to any slip-holder that does not inform the office of their intentions to vacate their slip. It is also necessary the Port Authority is notified 48 hours prior to the arrival of your boat. The Port Authority has the right to rent any vacant slip on a daily basis.
3. Dogs - Must be registered at the Port Authority office. Owner must sign paper stating dog’s shots are up-to-date. Owner assumes all legal responsibilities. Dogs must be kept leashed at all times. Dogs not leashed will be expelled from the marina. Dogs are not permitted to lay on any dock. Remember dogs are banned from the park. They must be kept on marina property. This will be strictly enforced. Make sure your dog uses the dog walks, not the grass inside the fences, docks, corners of dock boxes or articles belonging to other people. If your dog is unable to make it to the dog walk, please clean up after him. Dogs should not be left unattended. Please consider your neighbors. Dogs tend to bark excessively when owners are not present. Any problems will lead to dogs being banned from the marina.
4. Registration - All boats must be registered with the State of Indiana. Proof of ownership and current registration must be shown upon request.
5. Security - Is on duty after hours during regular season April 1 to November 1.
6. Parking Stickers - Must be permanently attached to the lower left hand side of the windshield or stickers will be confiscated. Only two stickers are given per boat. Before stickers are issued, the white information card must be completed, signed, and returned to the office. This is your annual contract.
7. Keys - Two new keys will be provided per slip. Additional keys will be $5 each. Help keep restrooms clean and marina secure by keeping gates and restroom doors locked. Your assistance in the control of keys helps in the security of the marina for everyone.
8. Equipment for the Docks - In order to comply with the uniformity desired for the whole marina, you should obtain permission, in writing, to attach anything to your dock. All carpeting additions or changes on the structure of the docks must be approved by the Port Authority. Rub rail is optional and may be purchased from the Port Authority. Flower pots are acceptable, but should not obstruct any walkway. Old tires, tubes, hose, etc. cannot be attached to pilings or sides of catwalks. Dockboxes must not be altered in any way; such as, attaching decals, drilling, etc.
9. Working on Boats - Major refinishing, such as heavy sanding or spray painting will not be permitted. Please consider your neighbors.
10. Reminders - Boat stickers must be displayed on boat. There shall be no fishing in the marina. Do not clean fish on boats or docks. Sailboats should use power only when in the basin. No sail. Use only your assigned electrical outlet. Hoses and electrical cables should not cross docks or piers.
11. Dinghies - Are defined as watercraft fourteen feet or under in length, not having a permanent hull and with a 25hp or less engine. Dinghies may not be manned by children under fifteen years of age unless accompanied by an adult. You must display a bicycle flag on the transom. Motorized dinghies must be registered with the State of Indiana. All dinghies must be moored within the confines of your slip. There will be an additional charge for dinghies moored elsewhere.
12. End of the Season - Steps, hoses, dock lines, dock box contents and lock need to be removed to avoid interfering with the off-season maintenance. If left, locks will be cut and contents will be disposed of.
13. Forklift - With the exception of rack storage patrons, there will be an additional fee to move boats in and out of the water.
14. Marina & Gas Dock Hours - See marina office for posted hours. Seasonal gas dock hours are all weather permitting.
15. Electric - One electrical outlet is provided for each slip. Second outlets may be added at an additional charge.

Some of the links on this page may require Adobe Reader to view them. The Adobe Reader is available for download free of charge, by clicking on the logo.