Newsletter Winter 2008
Contents
1 Licences and limitations
2 Boat Fenders
3 Christmas Staffing Arrangements
4 Green Diesel
5 Berthing fees for 2009/2010
6 Method of payment
7 Biometric Security System
1 Licences and limitations
There are some berth holders who are not aware of, or appreciate that there are, limitations imposed upon some of the basic marina operations. The following details the operating time limitations imposed by the individual authorities who have issued the appropriate licences. The two areas which operate under approved licences are the Fuel Berth and the ferry service to the West Bight. The conditions attached to each licence approval are:-
The fuel licence is issued under the authority of the Harbour Master and can only be operational through the hours of daylight. Further limitations also apply to the sea state alongside the fuel berth. The sea state can be a limiting factor during high winds in the NE to SE quadrant. From an obvious risk analysis and Health and Safety viewpoint only one boat can be alongside at any time irrespective of size. It is further obvious that only one dispensing pump can be operated at any time.
The ferry to and from the West Bight is provided by either of the two RIBs. Both RIBs have been granted full P2 passenger licences by the Department of the Marine, for operation throughout the hours of daylight within the confines of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
The common denominator of “daylight hours” causes little problem throughout the year with the Marina staff on duty from 0800 hrs. What does cause problems from time to time is the end time. During the basic summer season from end of April until the end of mid August the cut off time is 2200 hrs. Between Mid-August and the end of April the cut off time is the published time of sunset on the day.
2 Boat Fenders
During the winter period in particular we note deflated, or an inadequate number of fenders, in use on many boats particularly after high wind conditions. In many cases we can attach spare fenders from our “lost property” store. Following periods of high winds we regularly rescue errant fenders floating within the marina waters. Some have no lanyards, others have obviously poor quality lanyards that have frayed, and some have good lanyards but they would appear to have been inadequately attached to guard rails or lifelines. Few, if any, have any identification on them. Perhaps at least one of the following would be a help to all, the boat name, berth number or even the berth holder’s name.
We also receive reports at such times that fenders have been “stolen” from boats with obvious implications regarding security etc. We would point out that due to the basic layout of the marina and the wind strength and direction, fenders can remain trapped, or can be blown outside the marina footprint and into the Coal Harbour or main harbour areas. We can and do, retrieve such errant fenders as they appear within the marina and have regularly reunited “lost” fenders with their rightful boat.
Check your fenders for correct inflation, correct positioning-vertically and horizontally, lanyard condition and security of attachment to lifeline/ guardrail.
3 Christmas Staffing Arrangements
As has been our custom over the years the marina will be staffed over Christmas Day. It will be minimal staffing and neither the dispensing of fuel nor the operation of the ferry to the West Bight will be possible. Should you require either fuel or access to your boat on Christmas Day we would suggest you make suitable arrangement during the lead up days. We would also advise that there will be a reduced availability over the Public holiday period up to New Years day when there may be occasions when either fuelling or West Bight ferry runs would be delayed pending the completion of the other. Your understanding and co-operation will be appreciated.
4 Green Diesel
The derogation granted to the Government by the EU permitting the use of green diesel or “marked” gas oil in leisure craft expired on 31st October last. Following extensive lobbying by the Irish Marine Federation, the Irish Sailing Association and other interested bodies, the Revenue Commissioners have adopted a self declaration system for leisure boating to comply with the legislation.
From the 1st November 2008, diesel used for “private pleasure navigation” is subject to mineral oil tax at the same rate as applies to auto diesel. The Revenue Commissioners however recognise that auto diesel will not, in the short term at least, be available at many fuelling points. The provision has therefore been made in the Finance Act – 2008 to allow the continued use of marked gas oil , subject to the payment of the balance of the mineral oil tax on the fuel used. At the time of going to press this will require the payment of a further €0.32069 per litre. This additional revenue will be paid by the individual boat owners at the end of each financial year (31st December) who will complete the form PPN 1 and submit the form together with the appropriate remittance.
A copy of the PPN 1 and PPN 2 forms which will enable you to make your returns to the Revenue Commissioners for the period 1st November to 31st December 2008 are available at the Administration desk for those berth holders who have diesel fuelled engines. The marina records of purchase and sale of marked oil can be checked by the Revenue Commissioners at any time and it is to be noted that, if sufficient returns are not made or if they are obviously treated lightly the simple solution will be to direct us to change over to supply auto- diesel at the full tax rate for all usage. The marina official receipt for all such purchases should be kept to support your returns.
As the tax is only due on the quantity of fuel used to propel the boat the uplift can be divided into two types of utilisation:- Fuel used for central heating and electrical power generation is one – the other is for fuel used in actual propulsion. We have requested a simple breakdown from the boat suppliers which will be available at the reception desk shortly covering the hourly rate for engine consumption, central heating and battery charging. With this information it will be relatively simple to make your returns.
5 Berthing fees for 2009/2010
While we will continue to strive to supply a high standard of service to all our berth holders we recognise that the economic downturn has touched all of us. We continue to have to pay our way despite the reduction in oil prices and are faced with significant increases in our overheads - gas, electricity, water and waste charges. Between the application of the CPI annually, and the addition of contractual increases, our fixed rent payable to the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company has in fact more than doubled since the marina opened. We are looking at the whole operation with a view to trimming our lamp as it were, while minimising the effect on the service standards expected by our berth holders and visitors. . .
As stated we recognise the global economic downturn affects us all in many different ways. The Board has considered the situation and implications and the result is the retention of the current charges for the year 2009/2010.
2009/10 2008/9
Annual Berth – Main Marina € 455 per metre € 455 per metre
Annual Berth – West Bight € 345 per metre € 345 per metreS
ummer Berth –Main Marina € 340 per metre € 340 per metre
Summer Berth - West Bight € 340 per metre € 340 per metre
Winter Berth € 180 per metre € 180 per metre
Monthly € 65 per metre € 65 per metre
Weekly € 18 per metre € 18 per metre
Nightly € 4 per metre € 4 per metre
Daily flat rate 0800 – 2200 hrs € 6 € 6
6 Method of payment
Our policy as stated in our contracts and our rules indicate that payment is required in advance and is due on 1st April each year. Payment is readily accepted by personal cheque, bank draft, or cash. Payment of berthing fees by Credit Card is also acceptable but is subject to a 2% service or handling charge. This additional charge is purely to cater for the commission the credit card company takes from the amount charged to you. It is a loss of revenue to the Marina and this additional charge levels the playing field for all berth holders. Due to unfortunate experience we will not accept post dated cheques.
If required, we will accept payment of berthing fees through six consecutive monthly payments commencing on the 1st April 2009. The Direct Debit must however be in place and operational for the first payment due on 1st April 2009. An administrative charge of 2% will be added and will be included in the first payment.
7 Biometric Security System
We have completed or first season with the biometric system in operation. With just two significant problems, each lasting over one day, we are satisfied with the system performance and technical backup. There have been some comments regarding the height of the reader unit on the side gate. Its positioning sometimes requires you to bend down to read the message –normally advising repositioning of the finger on the screen. With respect to the height let us pause for thought – it is positioned so that it can be accessed by all including those less fortunate, in wheel chairs who cannot stand up. Buy two we hear said – the cost of a further unit is not justifiable, as the vast majority of users are familiar with the correct placing of the index finger on the reader.
May we take the opportunity to wish you and your families a peaceful and happy Christmas. Let us not forget those less fortunate for whom 2008 may not have been a good year. We thank you for your custom and look forward to continuing to provide service and standards that have achieved the international award of Five Gold Anchors. We enclose a small but useful token of our thanks from all at Dun Laoghaire Marina -John, Michael, Hal, Paal, Ruth, Jenny, Harry, Glenn, Tony, Eddie, Scott, Diarmaid, Gary, Johnny, Daniel.
Sincerely
Hal Bleakley
General Manager.
