Using the Facility

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top

General Information

Schedule A to the BMC Rules (rulesadopted2011) outlines the obligations of members when using the facility. Members should familiarize themselves with these.  Of particular importance:

  • Only ‘approved boats’ may be moored at the BMC facility. The boat must not exceed (i) an overall length of 5.5 metres; (ii) a maximum beam of 2.25 metres; and (iii) a beam of 1.95 metres within 1.2 metres of the end of the boat that will be closest to the pontoon when the boat is moored at the mooring facility.

    The boat is clipped on each side to the pontoon rails.

  • The boat must be fitted with mooring lines, fenders and other equipment to prevent (i) the boat moving forward to touch the pontoon; (ii) the stern of the boat moving laterally to touch adjacent boats on the mooring facility.
  • Ropes must be of 12 mm diameter and made of nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene. Dories are permitted to have ropes of 8mm.
  • The boat must be registered with Services NSW, show navigation lights in accordance with Maritime rules, have an official BMC label, member number and year as issued by the BMC, be covered by insurance which includes third party property damage, and not pose an unacceptable risk to the structure of the BMC facility or to other members’ boats.
  • Please complete the Boat ID form for our records. New members should use the Boat Inspection form. We will contact you to arrange a day and time to measure your boat, check your ropes and equipment, then issue you with stickers and keys to permit use of the pontoons.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Boat ID

  • Please enter a value between 001 and 135.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Boat Inspection

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Setting the Ropes

Boats are to be fitted by their owners with mooring ropes and snaplinks with which to moor them to the arms provided at the jetties. The ropes are arranged as shown in Figure 1. Ropes must be of 12mm diameter and made of nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene. Dories may use 8mm rope rather than 12mm.

Snaplinks should be stainless steel and large enough to fit over a mooring staple made from 8mm round bar, and small enough to share a semicircular staple of 26mm inside diameter with another snaplink.

Ropes should be attached to snap links with a simple overhand knot through the end of the snap link, as in Figure 2.

Ends of the ropes should be secured to the boat at bow and stern with knots, either bowline or bucket-hitch, with the rope end tucked once into the lay of the rope. Splices should not be used, and the two side ropes should not be continuous and should be tied separately to the bow.

The mooring ropes should not have much slack in them, or the boat will lie at an angle and bump the boat next door, but they should not be dead-tight either because this can hinder the boat moving up and down with the waves, and puts excessive stress on the mooring arms.

The bow of the boat must not strike the pontoons.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Fenders etc

Each boat should have a fender on the port and starboard sides hung in place to avoid damaging the neighbouring boat.

The boat must be securely locked to the pontoon, using the supplied wire and your own lock, or your own chain and lock.

Do not use the light bollards to help yourself on or off the boat. These are easily damaged and you will be asked to pay the costs of repairs or replacement.

When leaving the jetties, make sure the gate is securely locked. If the lock sticks, never use WD40.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Overstays – in excess of 72 hours

Under Schedule A, cl.3 of the BMC by-laws, members are permitted to stay at the Coop’s pontoons for 3 days (here defined as 72 hours).

The Coop recognises that there are circumstances when members have a need to stay for a longer period. There are two circumstances when overstaying arises: emergencies and non-emergencies.

Emergencies may relate to health issues or accidents or they may relate to problems with the member’s boat. The BMC will attempt to support the member in the emergency, and give approval for overstaying for a reasonable period during the emergency. In general, this will be for the duration of the emergency, but the BMC reserves the right to put a limit on the length of time required.

Non-emergencies may arise when members need approval for overstaying, perhaps due to bad weather or personal circumstances. While overstays for these reasons are not encouraged, approval will be given if the circumstances warrant it.

Members must direct their request for an overstay, advising of their circumstances, by filling in the form below, or emailing the Board’s compliance officer (see ‘contact us’). In general, approval will only be granted for a maximum of 3 days, (an additional 72 hours). However, if further time is requested, three Board members must approve the extension.

Further, members will generally only be granted approval for two non-emergency overstays per year. If a member requests a further overstay, three Board members must approve the extension.

Request to Overstay

  • Please enter a value between 001 and 135.
  • Please enter the date your overstay will begin.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top


Maintenance

The facility has 24-hour night and day 360º CCTV coverage for each pontoon, which is dependent on mains power to operate.

The locks on the gates sometimes stick. Use only graphite spray – nothing else. WD40 will ruin the workings.

We rely on members to take care when using the facility to avoid damage.

Please report all incidents or problems with the facility using the form on the Contact Us page.

Sections on this page: General Information | Boat ID | Boat Inspection | Setting The Ropes | Fenders | Overstay Info | Overstay Request | Maintenance | Back to Top