The selection of Marine Contractor can make or break the outcome of your waterfront construction project. Carefully choosing a qualified contractor will ensure that your property is treated with respect and that the job is done correctly.
When times are tough, some marine contractors may cut costs by slashing safety, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses until the work picks up again. This can lead to substandard results and costly mistakes for you.
A marine contractor is a specialist who builds or repairs coastal and waterfront structures like seawalls, docks, groins, boat lifts, breakwaters, and boardwalks. A reputable marine contractor can make the difference between a successful job and a botched mess. Careful selection of the right marine contractor will protect your property, save you time and money, and ensure that the job is done correctly. Here are some tips, questions to ask, and red flags to look for when choosing a marine contractor.
Marine contractors are required to have a professional engineering license or certification from an accredited institution. They also must have years of experience working on projects involving marine construction. This experience should involve a broad range of marine construction activities. Some of the duties they perform include estimating, project management, construction supervision, and preparing technical documents.
Another important qualification for marine contractors is knowledge of the local environmental regulations. This includes understanding the laws that apply to each type of marine construction project. In addition, they must know how to prepare and submit permits, perform environmental surveys, and provide recommendations for remedial actions.
Moreover, marine contractors should have the ability to interpret and develop marine construction drawings, plans, specifications, and contractual documents. They should also be able to exercise independent judgment and analyze problems. Moreover, they should have the ability to interact with other disciplines and coordinate work.
When selecting a marine contractor, you should consider their qualifications, insurance, and references and testimonials. You should also check the company’s financial stability. In tough times, some marine construction companies cut back on safety, maintenance, personnel, and insurance to preserve their share value. This is a risky strategy that puts customers at risk.
Licensing requirements
A Marine Contractor can build, repair, alter, extend and excavate for waterfront structures like floating docks, wetland observation decks, boathouses, piers and ramps. It can also install seawalls and bulkheads. Additionally, marine contractors are experts in building dock lifts. These are perfect for launching and retrieving boats from the water.
It’s important to choose a marine contractor who has an extensive track record and stable business history. It indicates their ability to meet project timelines and quality standards. Look for a company with experienced personnel and a strong team that can take on the challenges of each job. In addition, a marine construction company should have specialized equipment in place to ensure their work is performed to the highest standard.
To get a license, a marine contractor must pass a business and law exam. They must also be financially solvent and have the proper insurance in place. It is also important for the marine contractor to be able to provide references and testimonials. Lastly, the marine contractor must be licensed by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
The MCLB is responsible for the development, implementation and carry out of the marine contractors licensing program, as established in Chapter 286. It is required to license and regulate individuals and entities that perform marine contractor services; collect fees associated with the licensing program; and keep a current record of all licensees.
Experience
When a marine property owner is looking to upgrade their dock, add a boat lift or deal with erosion on their land, a reputable and experienced contractor can make all the difference in the quality of work. However, not all inland and general contractors are qualified to work on waterfront projects because they lack the necessary technical knowledge of different aspects of marine construction, such as designs, boat lifts, jetties, bulkheads, groins, seawalls, and more. Choosing the right marine contractor ensures that the project will be completed quickly and efficiently with minimal risk to property owners.
A marine contractor’s experience will also play a role in their ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Look for a company with a solid track record in the industry and a stable, long-tenured leadership team that can provide stability and consistency to customers. Companies with strong vendor relationships are more likely to pay invoices on time, which can help reduce the risks of liens and litigation.
Another factor to consider when choosing a marine contractor is the type of insurance coverage they have in place. Working on or near water carries more risk for workers than operating machinery on dry land, so marine contractors need specialized liability coverage to protect themselves and their clients.
A reputable marine contractor will have the insurance necessary to meet the requirements of the job, including a general liability policy and an umbrella policy that cover excess liabilities. Additionally, they will have a deep understanding of environmental considerations and be committed to sustainable practices throughout the building process. This includes utilizing environmentally conscious materials, implementing erosion control measures, and conducting regular environmental monitoring.
Check references and testimonials
When looking for a marine contractor, it is important to check their references and testimonials. This will help you determine whether they are the right choice for your project. A good marine contractor will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with detailed estimates. In addition, they should have extensive experience and knowledge of the industry.
Marine contractors specialize in constructing, repairing and managing coastal structures such as jetties, bulkheads, seawalls and rock sills. They also work on erosion control projects like beach nourishment, marsh establishment and coastal bluff reshaping. They must be licensed to do this type of work in the state they operate.
Some marine contractors are not reputable and will do poor work for you, so make sure to check their references before hiring them. You should also ask them for proof of insurance coverage and ensure that they are bonded. A reputable marine construction company will have commercial marine liability and workers’ compensation policies.
Hiring the wrong marine contractor can be costly, so it is important to do your research before selecting one. Look for a company that has a long history of working in the industry and has a stable leadership team. They should be able to provide you with contact information for former clients and provide references and testimonials from other customers.
If you have a property next to the ocean, it is essential to build a seawall to protect your land from erosion. Failure to do so will result in the sea carrying away part of your land, which will eventually leave you with a smaller piece of property. You should hire a marine contractor to build a seawall for you and take the necessary precautions to ensure that it is done properly.
Insurance
Marine contractors work in a demanding environment that requires specialized coverages. They need protection against liability claims for bodily injury and property damage, business interruption, and workers’ compensation. In addition, they must have marine tools and equipment coverage.
A marine contractor needs to have the right insurance to protect their assets, workers, and customers. They can get the required coverage by purchasing a comprehensive marine contractor insurance package from a trusted insurer. The insurance company can pay for the costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment, and it can also cover lost wages. This way, a contractor can focus on their job without worrying about financial losses.
The marine contractor insurance packages offered by some insurance companies include marine general liability, hull and protection and indemnity (P&I), builders risk, business interruption, and commercial auto. They can also purchase additional policies to meet specific requirements of their clients. These policies provide a comprehensive package of coverages that is easy to manage and cost-effective.
If you are bidding for a municipal project, the contract may require specific coverages that are tailored to your work in specialized environments. For example, the municipality may require that you have environmental insurance in case of an accidental spill. This policy will protect you from expensive lawsuits caused by environmental damage.
Inland marine contractor insurance covers equipment used on construction sites or stored in non-use. It can be on a voyage or time basis and includes materials, labor, and reasonable overhead and profit. Inland marine contractors are also covered by workers’ compensation, which is necessary to fulfill their legal and ethical obligations. This is because marine contracts are dangerous and involve heavy machinery.