Policies and Procedures for Use

Annual Rating System All members are assigned a rating level to indicate how far from the PPSC dock they may sail. This is for the safety of our boats but more importantly our members. Please call the Operations Director to schedule your free checkout sail as early as you can. During your checkout sail, an instructor will make sure that you are comfortable identifying safety equipment, using a VHF, rigging and de-rigging, and sailing safely in harbor traffic.

Reservations and Hours of Operation

Regular Sailing Season May 1st to October 31st

Regular Sailing Hours 11:00 AM to Sunset (4:30 PM – Sunset weekdays July & August)

Hardy Sailor Season November 1st to April 30th

Hardy Sailing Hours – 11:00 AM – Sunset (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)

Business Hours 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday – Friday)

Boats are available by online reservation only at https://piersparksailing.org/community-sailing/members. If you wish to extend your reservation while out on the water, you must either return to the dock or notify the Dock Lead via VHF, to ensure that no other member is waiting for a boat. All boats are required to be back at the dock 30 minutes prior to sunset. Boats that return after this time are subject to a late return fee.

Guests

We are happy to have you as our guest and we hope you will enjoy our facility and fleet. In order for you to get the most out of your experience we ask that you follow the same rules as our members. These rules have been designed to keep you, PPSC equipment, and all our participants safe, and to help assure that everyone will have a positive experience with PPSC.

PPSC requires that all participants understand and abide by the rules of PPSC and Piers Park. Violation of these may result in suspension or termination of sailing privileges. Before you board any of our boats, you must sign the guest release form and turn it in to the Dockstaff. If you are less than 18 years old your parent or guardian must also sign. Guests must be at least 4 years old to sail.

Guests must abide by all rules of the Park and Sailing Center listed below. All guests (or their guardians for children under 18) must sign the Guest Rules and Liability Release Form (once per year).

Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests and for any damage to PPSC or Massport property committed by themselves or their guests.

Member, Guest and Student Conduct and Responsibilities

  • A complete Float Plan must be finished prior to getting underway.
  • Equipment must be inspected by users prior to getting underway. (Members and Instructors are responsible for returning boats and gear in good operating condition)
  • A radio check must be performed on VHF Channel 78 before getting underway.
  • VHF Channel 78 must be monitored while boats are away from the sailing center dock.
  • While underway, everyone on PPSC boats must wear a properly fitted and fastened USCG approved PFD at all times.
  • Appropriate close-toed and non-marking footwear and a shirt must be worn at all times.
  • Proper lookout must be maintained while underway.
  • Boats may be operated only within the areas and conditions designated by the member’s rating.
  • Boats must be operated with regard to present and future weather conditions, tides and sunset
  • Vessel operators must follow the directions of the PPSC staff person on duty. This is particularly imperative regarding directives to return to the Sailing Center due to changes in weather.
  • No swimming or fishing is allowed from the PPSC dock, boats, or kayaks.  Do not ever jump off of a boat or the dock.
  • Boats must be back to the dock before sunset. Please plan accordingly.
  • When conditions warrant, boats sail under reduced or lowered sails.
  • Boats and equipment must be left clean and properly stowed after each use.
  • Any equipment failure, actual or suspected damage, must be reported immediately.
  • Smoking is prohibited on the dock, boats, and in the office
  • Use of alcohol or drugs on boats, in the office, on the premises, in Piers Park, or prior to boat use is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination of sailing privileges and potential prosecution.
  • Pets are not permitted in Piers Park.
  • Safe conduct is required of all members, guests and students ashore and underway.
  • Obscenity and profanity will not be tolerated.

Unsafe Weather Conditions

Each day Piers Park Sailing Center monitors and posts weather reports on the dock. When unsafe weather conditions develop, boat operators should return to the dock immediately or request assistance from PPSC by calling on VHF channel 78. In addition, the dock staff will raise a red flag from the Dockhouse flagpole to signal that sailing is postponed. Please return to the dock as quickly and as safely as possible. Piers Park has implemented this system for situations when staff may be unable to communicate with the boat via VHF radio. The senior person in charge at PPSC may make their own determination that unsafe conditions have, or are expected to develop. Some or all PPSC boats will be summoned back to the dock. If requested by PPSC staff, a vessel must return to the dock immediately. Unsafe conditions include: winds that are above the operator’s rating, restricted visibility, lightning, high seas, and heavy precipitation.

Flag System

The staff at Piers Park will be using a flag system on the dock house to announce expected sailing conditions. In the case of unfavorable sailing conditions, please refer to the Dock Lead for sailing limitations. These may include, but are not limited to reefing or no solo sailing.

  • Green Flag – Favorable wind and weather conditions (Wind <12mph, 0% Chance of Rain) . Sailing permitted to all boundaries approved for each sailor.
  • Yellow Flag – Challenging Weather Conditions (Wind 12-16mph, Gusts <18mph, Fog, Chance of Rain) Sailing limited to Level 1 boundary only. If wind is sustained 12-16mph you may sail with a reefed main and jib, or a full mainsail with no jib. If the wind is sustained 16-18mph you may sail with a reefed mainsail only. If wind is coming from the South or there are strong gusts you may be required to reef at lower wind speeds.
  • Red Flag – Sailing Prohibited. Foul Weather (Wind 18+mph, Chance of Rain or Thunderstorms, Small Craft Advisory or Gale Warning)

Towing & Groundings

Members will incur fees for incidents that involve Piers Park Sailing Center vessels. Vessels that require a tow back to the Piers Park Sailing Center dock: $50 fee within Level 1 boundary, $150 fee within Level 5 boundary, $500 fee outside Level 5 boundary. Damage to a Piers Park Sailing Center vessel caused by grounding or collision will result in an additional $500 fee. Members will be held responsible for costs associated with additional towing & rescue services provided by third parties (TowBoatUS, SeaTow, etc.).

Additionally, members involved in vessel groundings, collisions, or similar incidents shall be required to attend a refresher course at the start of the following season to ensure a safe environment here at PPSC.

Damage to Sonars

We completely understand that parts on this heavily used fleet will wear and even break throughout the season, while regular maintenance of wear and tear is completely covered by the Sailing Center, members may be responsible for the cost of damage to the boats resulting from negligence, imprudence, or mishandling.

Radio Communications

Any vessel leaving the dock will have an operational radio or telephone on board. Prior to leaving the dock the skipper will perform a radio check. PPSC Base and all mobile units will monitor channel 78. Each member and student should be aware of proper radio use as per FCC regulations including frequency use and distress signals. If Members do not adhere to FCC regulations and appropriate radio etiquette, they may lose their sailing privileges.

Sailing Levels and Boundaries

Level 1

Level 1 – Inner Harbor/USS Constitution/Umana School to Airport Landing Pier (LTS Graduates start at this level). No sailing between piers or wharves, inside of the line between Pier 1 East Boston and Red 14, or through mooring fields. Keep a vigilant lookout for tankers and other large vessels.

Levels 2 through 5

Level 2 – Requires successful completion of the PPSC Navigation Clinic & minimum 15 sailing days in Level 1 boundary, without incident, at PPSC. Inner Harbor and Around Spectacle Island. Boats must depart by 1pm on the day of their reservation. Boats will report to Dockstaff by VHF Ch 78: When leaving Level 1 boundary & when they have re-entered Level 1 boundary. Boats must return to Level 1 area 1 hour before sunset.

Level 3 – Requires Level 3 Navigation Course, plus a minimum of 30 completed sails and one year holding a sail pass without incident. Boats must depart by 12pm on the day of their reservation. Boats will report to Dockstaff by VHF Ch 78: When leaving Level 1 boundary & when they have re-entered Level 1 boundary. Boats must return to Level 1 area 1 hour before sunset.

Level 4 – Requires Level 4 Navigation Course, plus a minimum of 60 completed sails and two years holding a sail pass without incident. Boats must depart by 11am on the day of their reservation. Boats will report to Dockstaff by VHF Ch 78: When leaving Level 1 boundary & when they have re-entered Level 1 boundary. Boats must return to Level 1 area 1 hour before sunset.

Level 5 – Requires Level 4 Navigation Course, plus a minimum of 90 completed sails and three years holding a sail pass without incident. Boats must depart by 11am on the day of their reservation. Boats will report to Dockstaff by VHF Ch 78: When leaving Level 1 boundary & when they have re-entered Level 1 boundary. Boats must return to Level 1 area 1 hour before sunset.

COVID-19 Waiver

I understand that participating in this activity may increase my risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and may increase my risk of contracting COVID-19.  I will not hold Piers Park Sailing Center, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and all of their officers, directors, trustees, employees and agents liable if I contract COVID-19.

Releases

In consideration of use of the property, facilities and/or services of the Piers Park Sailing Center, Inc. (PPSC) and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) I agree as follows:

  1. RISK FACTORS. I understand and acknowledge that sailing and related activity with PPSC involves various physical risks such as risk of injury, property damage and/or loss of life.
  2. ASSUMPTION OF THE RISK. I assume any and all risk arising from my activity with PPSC.
  3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. I acknowledge that I have been given a copy of, and have read and understand, all of the policies and procedures relating to activity at PPSC. I understand that I am required to abide by such policies and procedures in order to safely and properly participate in PPSC activities. I agree to follow all directives of the staff of PPSC.
  4. PREREQUISTE SKILLS AND TRAINING. I acknowledge that I have the requisite skills, qualifications and training necessary to properly and safely participate in activities of PPSC. If I have any questions as to what skills, qualifications or training are necessary for my participation, I will direct these questions to the appropriate person supervising the activity.
  5. RELEASE. I release Piers Park Sailing Center, Inc., the Massachusetts Port Authority and all of their officers, directors, trustees, employees and agents, and I agree not to sue them in conjunction with any claims arising out of my participation in PPSC activities.
  6. WAIVER. I waive any unknown future claims which may arise due to my participation in PPSC activities.
  7. INDEMNIFY AND DEFEND. I indemnify and defend Piers Park Sailing Center, Inc., the Massachusetts Port Authority and their officers, directors, trustees, employees and agents against, and hold them harmless from, any and all claims, including attorney fees, which may arise from my participation in PPSC activities, whether or not these claims arise from my own actions or those of anyone else.
  8. SWIMMING CERTIFICATION. I certify that I am capable of swimming 50 yards and able to tread water for 5 minutes. Adaptive sailors must certify they can form a seal with their mouth; otherwise a special life vest must be worn.
  9. EMERGENCY TREATMENT CONSENT. I am an adult of 18 years or older. As a participant in Piers Park Sailing Center activities I hereby consent to medical treatment in an emergency when I am unable to consent to treatment.
  10. RESPONSIBILITY FOR GUESTS. I agree that I am responsible for the safety and behavior of all guests who sail with me. I will inform them of all appropriate policies, procedures, rules and regulations of PPSC. I will be responsible for any of their actions, including those that cause damage or injury to PPSC, Massport, or others.
  11. PROGRAM INTERRUPTIONS. Program operations may be interrupted due to storms, fires, other acts of God, or circumstances beyond the control of PPSC. I understand that PPSC reserves the right to make fee adjustments at its discretion, subject to the ability to recover damages.
  12. REPRESENTATIVES. I enter into this agreement for myself, or on behalf of another for whom I am legally responsible.
  13. PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE. PPSC may use photos or videos taken of me for any promotional materials in print or through digital media.
  14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. I have read and understand this agreement. I realize it relates to accepting liabilities and releasing valuable legal rights. I do so freely and voluntarily

By using Piers Park Sailing Center’s boats and/or facility, I affirm that:

  1. I have read and understand the language listed above. I realize it relates to accepting liabilities and releasing valuable legal rights. I sign this freely and voluntarily.
  2. I agree to abide by all PPSC Policies and Procedures, and to follow the directions of all PPSC staff.
  3. I have disclosed and relevant medical conditions or concerns, and I have no health issues that would prevent me from sailing safely.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

  • Piers Park Security – 617-561-1745
  • Massport 24 hour – 617-464-8250
  • Executive Director – 617-561-6677 x101
  • Operations Director – 617-561-6677 x104
  • Sea Tow Boston – 617-567-8053
    • VHF Channel 9 or 16
  • Coast Guard Boston – 617-223-8600
    • VHF Channel 16
  • Boston Harbormaster – 617-343-4721

If Sea Tow, Coast Guard, or the Harbormaster is contacted, call the Operations Director at 617-561-6677 x104.