Marina Arrival Checklist for Visiting Boats

Short answer

Prepare the booking, marina contact details, vessel dimensions and crew briefing before reaching a marina. Confirm the assigned berth and local instructions with the operator. This checklist covers the booking and handover; the skipper remains responsible for navigation, conditions and manoeuvring decisions.

By Gabriel Machuret · Updated 2026-10-02

Marina Arrival Checklist for Visiting Boats: practical steps

Keep the booking information togetherSave the confirmation, proposed berth, office contact, opening hours and any instructions supplied by the marina in one offline note. Include your own vessel dimensions and insurance details where required. A crew member should be able to retrieve the information without searching through an email account during arrival.
Review current conditions and local informationRead current marine warnings and the forecast for the relevant waters, then obtain current access information from the operator and official sources. Note the time of each update. A photograph, chart thumbnail or marina review cannot establish the present approach depth or whether an entrance is suitable for your vessel.
Brief the crew before the final approachAgree who will communicate with the marina, who will handle lines and how the skipper will issue instructions. Prepare equipment according to the vessel and skipper’s plan. Identify anyone who needs additional assistance and discuss how the crew will stop and reassess if the situation changes.
Complete the shoreside handoverAfter securing the boat, check in with the office and confirm access devices, emergency arrangements and the departure time. Ask where to report a berth or service problem. Record any discrepancy between the confirmed berth and the allocated space promptly so it can be resolved during staffed hours.