COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates
Bowleys Marina is STRICTLY ENFORCING SOCIAL DISTANCING CDC Guidelines.
See below notices for details.
Prospective Members: Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020 the office staff is working remotely. If you are interested in a slip, they would like to speak with you. Call 410-335-3553. Due to remote location, only one phone line is operational. If no answer or if busy, please leave a message or email slips@bowleysmarina.com .
All paperwork may be completed electronically.
Phones will be staffed Monday-Friday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm if you have any questions
410-335-3553
UPDATES TO ALL BOWLEYS MEMBERS
ARE LISTED BELOW
March 16, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 16, 2020
Bowleys Members:
Bowleys Marina is taking proactive steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland and within our marina family. Bowleys Marina will remain operational; however, we are requesting all members assistance in minimizing the threat of spreading the virus.
We ask that all members correspond with the office via email or phone. We are one step ahead of many marinas since we already schedule work orders, launch/haul outs and other service work via the website.
The yard crew will continue with work orders and launching vessels. Staff has been instructed to maintain a safe distance from others while continuing to be productive.
The staff’s primary goal at this juncture is to prepare your vessels and launch the vessels so you may enjoy your boat. At this point, we anticipate members traveling on weekends to enjoy boating and their surroundings at Bowleys.
Effective Tuesday, March 17th, the office will continue operations but will NOT be open to members or the public. If potential members enter through the gate to discuss slip leasing or purchase, a staff member will meet the prospective member outside of the office and give a tour. If paperwork or other admin tasks need to be performed, these functions will take place in the Chandlery where staff and patrons may keep a greater distance. By segregating the office staff from outside influences, we hope to keep staff healthy and able to remain at work to better serve you.
Currently scheduled meetings will be held via internet or phone. Meetings may be postponed depending on the importance of the subject matter.
The spread of this virus is of great concern and we hope that the above policies will assist Bowleys Marina in not contributing to the spread. At this time, the Chandlery will NOT be opening as the bar. It will remain open for restroom facilities; however, we will not be opening the bar as a means of limiting gatherings of groups of members.
We must consider the safety and health of our staff, members and guests to be the most important concern and therefore we are taking these measures to ensure staff, members and guests are given every opportunity to remain healthy. As we move forward we may have staffing issues if any of our team are required to stay home with family members or if staff need to be quarantined and/or hospitalized and therefore we will make adjustments to how we handle all business and customer elements as needed if that occurs.
Management intends on approaching this crisis in the same matter we would a storm. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
The health and safety of the public is paramount, and we encourage you to keep track of the latest factual information regarding COVID-19 at the Maryland Department of Health website, https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
We will update you further in the future as we continue to monitor this situation.
Sincerely,
Ed Harwood
GM, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
March 18, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 18, 2020
To: Bowleys Marina Members
Fr: Ed Harwood, GM, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: COVID-19 Coronavirus – Marina / Boatyard Operations
Bowleys Marina is open for business. Our goal is to provide service for members so vessels may be launched and all members may enjoy their vessels while being able to abide by the “social distancing” mandates. What better place to self quarantine. To achieve this goal, we need to keep all staff healthy and working. If a staff member becomes ill and the remaining staff are required to self quarantine, all operations will cease and vessels will not be launched. Please assist us by following the below protocols.
Below are operational protocols we are currently following. Many of the protocols are unchanged from previous years. Please remember that Federal, State and Local governments are changing mandates almost daily and we are following their recommendations. We will make every effort to provide the service you are accustomed to; however, we ask for patience and understanding if we cannot maintain schedule or access vessels that are inaccessible. We have already received launch requests from members that were to be launched in May now requesting early April launch dates. Many members may have work schedules which have been altered and now wish to launch earlier than stated last fall when hauled. We will make every effort to accommodate these requests within reason; however, physical locations of vessels may restrict our ability to launch earlier.
Protocols
- Marina / Boatyard operations continuing as usual
- Office not open to members, guests or public
- Communicate with office via phone / email
- Store
- Email or call office with list of items you wish to purchase and request a price proposal
- If you wish to proceed with purchase after reviewing proposal
- Notify office and pay via credit card over the phone
- Notify office when you arrive on property and staff will place your order outside of office door
- If you wish to proceed with purchase after reviewing proposal
- Work Orders
- Will continue as scheduled
- Launch
- Will continue as scheduled
- We realize some members may not be traveling with work and will now wish to launch earlier than stated in the fall
- If this is the case, we will launch if vessel is accessible. We cannot relocate numerous vessels to access vessels that are blocked in
- Chandlery
- Remains open for restroom access
- Bar is Closed
- Meetings
- Meetings will be held via electronic means or by phone
- Email or call office with list of items you wish to purchase and request a price proposal
March 18, 2020 Facebook Post
March 18, 2020
Bowleys Marina is open for business. Our goal is to provide service for our members so vessels may be launched and all members may enjoy their vessels while being able to abide by the “social distancing” mandates. What better place to self quarantine.
Members have received numerous emails regarding new protocols we have established.
We are welcoming prospective members and the sales and leasing desk is staffed. If you are looking for a slip, we are open. We have protocols in place to meet with you outside following the current guidelines set by the CDC and other health agencies. All paperwork may be completed electronically.
Please call the office if you have any questions @ 410-335-3553
March 23, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 23, 2020
To: Bowleys Marina Members
Fr: Ed Harwood, GM, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: COVID-19 Coronavirus – Update
Bowleys Members:
Gov. Larry Hogan held a 11:00 am press conference today and all non-essential Maryland businesses must close today at 5:00 pm.
We will update you later today on how the marina will be staffed and what the plan of action is for the marina. Other states have listed marinas and marine repair as essential businesses. We are seeking clarification from Maryland if marinas and marine repair facilities are essential or non-essential.
Please DO NOT CALL the marina regarding the closure. The office staff will not be able to answer your questions until a staff meeting is held at 4:00 pm. We will send an email later this afternoon with more details on operations and the closure.
If you have an operational question, please call or email the office. Call volume is much higher than normal. Communicate via email is possible.
March 23, 2020 – Update #3 – 4:00 pm – email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 23, 2020
To: Bowleys Marina Members
Fr: Ed Harwood, GM, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: COVID-19 Coronavirus – Marina / Boatyard Operations – Update #3
Gov. Larry Hogan held a press conference this morning and has issued an order to close all non-essential businesses today at 5:00 pm.
An INTERPRETIVE GUIDANCE document has been circulated by the Governor’s Office.
Number: COVID19-04
Date: March 23, 2020
Re: Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland, Number 20-03-23-01, dated March 23, 2020,
Amending and Restating the Order of March 19, 2020, Prohibiting Large Gatherings and
Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing All Non-Essential Businesses
and Other Establishments
Paragraph 2. Businesses, Organizations, and Facilities That May Remain Open. The following is a nonexhaustive list of businesses, organizations, and facilities that are included in the federal critical
infrastructure sectors. The Order does not require these businesses, organizations, and facilities to
close.
Sub-Paragraph M. The Transportation Systems Sector includes, but is not limited to:
iv. Marine, rail, truck, and intermodal terminals, and operators thereof
xii. Companies that supply parts, or provide maintenance and repair services for transportation assets and infrastructure, including aircraft, marine vessels, locomotives,rail cars, trucks, buses, cars, heavy equipment, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, airstrips, marine terminals, railroads.
Under the above Interpretive Guidance, we have been advised by MTABC and others that marinas may remain open as an essential business.
At this time, Bowleys Marina will remain operational. The fuel pier will remain open to service Public Service vessels. Operations will continue with the following conditions:
- All protocols established in prior memorandums, March 16 and March 18, 2020 are still in effect.
- No gatherings within the boundaries of Bowleys Marina. You MUST keep 6’ distance from everyone and maintain greater than 6’ if possible.
- All common areas are Closed
- The playground is Closed
- Chandlery is Closed except for restrooms
- Wash hands upon entering and before exiting restrooms
- Restrooms are wiped down throughout the day
- Do not approach any staff member. We request you maintain 6’ at the very least. If possible do not interact with staff unless it’s an emergency
- Store items may be purchased. Please call or email and place order.
- Make arrangements for pickup
- Wash hands upon entering and before exiting restrooms
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and it’s affects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
March 26, 2020 – Update #4 – email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 26, 2020
To: Bowleys Marina Members
Fr: Ed Harwood, GM, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: COVID-19 Coronavirus – Marina / Boatyard Operations – Update #4
Federal, State and Local mandates and recommendations are changing daily. Bowleys Marina intends to remain operational as long as the safety of staff, members, guests and property can be maintained. In an abundance of caution, we are placing new protocols into effect tomorrow, Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5:00 pm to limit staff contact with others.
Our goal is to have all vessels in water, ready for use, for members to come and enjoy Bowleys Marina when it is safe for all. The staff’s health and ability to stay at work is paramount to achieving this goal. Please follow the below guidelines.
The below protocols may change at any time due to the COVID-19 crisis. We will revert to normal operating procedures when we are able to resume normal operations and ensure no further health risks are present to staff, members and guests.
Effective 5:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2020
- SOCIAL DISTANCING NOW DICTATES HOURS OF OPERATION
- Boatyard Operations – New hours
- Monday – Thursday – 7:00 am – 5:30 pm – Yard Crew will continue boatyard operations, working (4) 10 hour shifts
- Members are requested to not visit the marina Monday-Thursday if possible
- If you must visit the marina, PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT WITH STAFF – KEEP MINUMUM OF 10′ OR MORE IF POSSIBLE.
- Friday, Saturday and Sunday – NO STAFF ONSITE (Office, Fuel Dock and Boatyard closed)
- Marina OPEN to members with gate card for DIY work
- No marina personnel will be present while high load of members are onsite
- Monday – Thursday – 7:00 am – 5:30 pm – Yard Crew will continue boatyard operations, working (4) 10 hour shifts
- Office Closed for face to face interaction – call or email
- Call 410-335-3553 for assistance Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Email slips@bowleysmarina.com or ed@bowleysmarina.com if you need assistance
- THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO EMAILS BEING MONITORED
- Office Staff will work remotely from home
- Payments
- Credit Card transactions
- All credit card transactions must be made via phone
- Checks
- Send via mail or place in box outside of the office
- Advise office if you leave a check in the box outside of the office door
- Send via mail or place in box outside of the office
- Credit Card transactions
- Store
- Order supplies via phone or email
- Office not staffed – do not knock on door for supplies
- Advise when you wish to pick-up items and staff will place them in your vessel or in an agreed upon location for you to pick-up
- All orders must be paid before pick-up via credit card or check
- Order supplies via phone or email
- Launch
- Launch operations protocols are changing effective immediately
- All launches are now OWNER PRESENT only to minimize liability to Bowleys Marina and ensure the safety of all vessels
- Launch slots will be available every hour starting at 8:00 am
- Staff will launch last vessel each day at 5:00 pm
- 10 boats per day will be scheduled
- All members will be called prior to launch to setup specific date and time
- All owners who request a launch shall be present when the vessel is launched
- The office will contact you and set a time and date for launch
- The marina cannot accept the risk of launching a vessel and the possibility of an owner not being able/willing to check their vessel and ensure it’s tied and fendered correctly
- OWNER WILL BOARD VESSEL AFTER LAUNCH AT PIT, CHECK BILGES AND RIDE TO SLIP. STAFF WILL TOW VESSEL IF NEEDED. OWNER WILL TIE LINES TO PILES AND CONNECT SHORE POWER. STAFF WILL TIE LINES TO PIER ONLY. STAFF WILL NOT BOARD VESSEL AT ANYTIME.
- We will continue to launch vessels until we reach a point that vessels become inaccessible due to owners being unable to be present. We realize this may cause some to not have the ability to launch due to land location and accessibility issues and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Sander/Vac Units
- If you wish to reserve a sander/vac unit for the weekend, notify the office asap. There are a limited number sander/vac units and staff will not be onsite Friday, Saturday or Sunday to clean the units. The office will give instructions on where to pick-up and drop off the sander/vac units when you make the reservation
- Chandlery
- Restrooms are open. There are barriers in place isolating the remainder of the room. Please travel between double glass door and restrooms. Do NOT enter areas that are isolated. The staff may be working in these areas at different times.
- Restrooms are being wiped down hourly during business hours
- Water Supply
- Water is turned on to the entire property
- If hot water is needed for cleaning, it is available at the sink outside of the laundry room in the shop parking lot
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and its effects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
BOWLEYS MARINA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 443-604-1852
March 30, 2020 – email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
March 30, 2020
To: Members – Bowleys Marina
FR: Board of Directors, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: Marina Closure Effective Immediately – COVID-19
Bowleys Members:
Further actions were taken today, March 30, 2020 by Governor Hogan tightening restrictions on businesses and outdoor activities. Through an Executive Order, Maryland now has initiated a “Stay at Home” mandate.
Gov. Hogan has also mandated that anyone entering MD from out-of-state shall self-quarantine for 14 days. This limits the ability of members from out-of-state to come to the marina.
Through a unanimous Resolution by the Bowleys Marina, Board of Directors, effective immediately, Bowleys Marina, Inc. is transitioning to a reduced capacity. Effectively, the marina is closed for business until further notice. Minimal staffing will be in place to maintain and secure the facility.
Issues we are facing.
- First and foremost, we MUST protect the health and well-being of the staff and members
- Bowleys Marina does not want to encourage members to disobey the Executive Order by traveling to the marina – severe penalties
- A person who knowingly and willfully violates this Order is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
- Bowleys Marina must limit the number of vessels in water if owners are unable to check their vessels. Vessels are safer on land and this action minimizes risks to vessels and personnel.
- Per the Executive Order, members may not travel to the marina unless they are essential to its operation.
- DNR will most likely be prohibiting boats operating on the Bay. Our understanding is a determination will be made Tuesday morning by the DNR.
Plan of Action
- Cease launch operations immediately
- Remainder of this week, essential employees will prepare property for closure
- For the safety and well-being of the staff, reduce staffing and work remotely if possible
- Office Manager will work from home – answer phones Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- Maintain 3 essential employees and provide documentation for travel designating them essential and permitted to travel
- Will maintain and secure the facility while operating in a reduced status
- Dock walks, maintenance and repair, stand walks, etc.
- Additional staffing considerations being evaluated for yard crew and office staff
- Fuel calls for EMERGENCY vessels upon request – call Manager 24/7 to respond. All emergency agencies have been notified.
- Keep staff healthy and return immediately upon restrictions being lifted
The office will communicate on a regular basis through Constant Contact with all members. Thank you for your patience and understanding in these trying times.
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and its effects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
BOWLEYS MARINA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 443-604-1852
April 3, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
April 3, 2020
To: Members – Bowleys Marina
FR: Ed Harwood, GM – Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: Marina Closure Protocols
Bowleys Members:
All members were sent a communication from the Board of Directors on Monday, March 30, 2020 announcing the closure of the marina due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the DNR announced that recreational boating in Maryland waters is prohibited.
The two primary reasons for the closure were the “Stay at Home” Order by Governor Hogan and the safety and well-being of all members and staff.
Since the closure was announced, members have continued to travel to the marina to work on their vessels. Most have stayed on their vessels and then departed for home; however, there are still members who are ignoring social-distancing guidelines and continue to approach staff and one another.
Bowleys Marina is a member owned facility and we cannot mandate that an owner cannot come to the marina; however, as General Manager, my primary responsibility above all else is the safety of the staff. The remaining staff that has been deemed essential and have been issued documentation for travel between the marina and home must be kept safe and isolated. These individuals are leaving the safety of their homes daily to maintain and keep your marina operational in everyone’s absence.
I implore all members, owners and renters, NOT to come to the marina unless it is essential. The staff is feeling the strain of coming and going on a daily basis and the possibility of taking the virus home to their families. This strain is heightened when numerous members are present daily and using the same spaces as the staff. Please do not enter staff areas such as the shop, Chandlery area that is cordoned off or the travel lift shed.
If you feel it is essential to come to the marina, I ask you do so on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday when there are no staff present. If you must be here Monday-Thursday, please do NOT approach any staff member. If you need to communicate with a staff member, call the office @410-335-3553.
I realize this email may seem terse; however, staff frustration and concern are growing and the only means of relieving their stress is for all to adhere to these guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing everyone when this crisis is over.
The office will communicate on a regular basis through Constant Contact with all members. Thank you for your patience and understanding in these trying times.
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and its effects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
Bowleys Marina Office Phone Number is 410-335-3553
BOWLEYS MARINA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 443-604-1852
April 4, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
April 4, 2020
To: Members – Bowleys Marina
FR: Ed Harwood, GM – Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: Marina Closure – Restrooms Closed except to live aboards
Bowleys Members:
Just to illustrate how serious Baltimore Counties response to the COVID-19 crisis is, Baltimore County Police were dispatched to the marina today responding to complaints made to the Baltimore County Executive’s Office.
Numerous complaints have been received by the County Executive’s office regarding the large number of individuals using the restrooms.
The officers were sent to walk-through the property and explain social-distancing guidelines. The officers were briefed on all correspondences that have been sent to members and protocols that are in place regarding social-distancing. They observed the “Marina Closed” signs posted throughout the property.
Effective immediately, restrooms will only be available to the live aboards and staff until further notice.
The office will communicate on a regular basis through Constant Contact with all members. Thank you for your patience and understanding in these trying times.
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and its effects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
Bowleys Marina Office Phone Number is 410-335-3553
BOWLEYS MARINA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 443-604-1852
April 14, 2020 email update to all Bowleys Members via Constant Contact
April 14, 2020
To: Bowleys Marina Members
Fr: Ed Harwood, General Manager, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Board of Directors, Bowleys Marina, Inc.
Re: COVID-19 – Future Protocols and Re-opening Planning
Bowleys Marina’s restricted operations began March 31, 2020 after Gov. Hogan issued a “Stay at Home” order for residents of Maryland. Marina operations have continued on a limited basis in an attempt to keep the property in order, protect the asset and prepare for members arrival once permitted by the State and local authorities.
We ask all members to understand that recreational boating has been prohibited by the State of Maryland and launch operations were halted to protect vessels due to the State restrictions on owners to visit the yard. As illustrated over the several days, with winds in excess of 50 mph, vessels on land fared much better than those unattended to in the water. Staff and vessel owner safety is not at risk checking vessels on land. The staff spent all-day Thursday out on the piers retying vessels and fendering vessels in high winds. High winds in April are not unusual and do pose great risk to boats not double lined and tied properly.
What are Bowleys Marina’s Plans for the near future?
- Once the Stay at Home Order is lifted, will social distancing mandates remain in effect?
- Will club, bars and restaurants be permitted to re-open immediately or will these businesses be phased in?
- Will recreational boating remain prohibited if social distancing guidelines remain in effect?
- When will swimming pools be allowed to reopen?
Not knowing the answers to the above makes it challenging to prepare firmly for re-opening. Each question above affects the marina’s operations differently. But what we are doing is preparing the Marina to maximize the remaining time that will be left this summer. Even with a June reopening we will have a good summer of activity available. Let’s not write off the summer. We will likely be able to enjoy the best parts of summer. As they say this too will pass.
Worthy of noting, while we have experienced our fair share of contracting issues, we expect the bathrooms to be available by the end of May. It appears we are back on track after significant delays and apologize for the inconvenience to the membership.
Below are protocols we intend to follow at least in the early stages; however, these may change without notice depending on Federal, State and Local decisions.
Once Stay at Home Order is lifted by Gov. Hogan and assuming social distancing guidelines remain in effect.
- Re-open marina
- Continue observing social distancing guidelines to maximize employee / members safety
- Request ALL members come to property Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, if possible, to maximize separation of the staff
- Members will need to prepare vessels for launch
- Members will need to check vessels in water once launched
- All public areas, fire pit, gazebos, pool, Chandlery, etc. remain closed
- Continue with Yard Crew working (4) 10 hour shifts, Monday-Thursday
- Primary concern will be launching vessels
- 105 currently scheduled
- Request all members submit launch request now to obtain a slot on schedule
- Primary concern will be launching vessels
- Social Functions and Public Areas
- Opening Weekend and Social Functions
- ALL social functions are postponed until further notice
- Pool
- Pool is being prepared for opening by pool management company to protect the asset
- Baltimore County Health Department will decide if/when pools will be opened
- Chandlery
- Baltimore County Liquor Board will decide when Class C Clubs may re-open
- Opening Weekend and Social Functions
- Launch Operations
- Crew will launch vessels following normal procedures
- Owner shall come to marina and check ASAP after vessel is launched and tied in slip
- Launch Authorization shall be required for every vessel
- If owner wishes to be present, please remember to keep minimum of 6′ from others
- If owner present, crew will not board vessel
- Crew will launch vessels following normal procedures
- Payments
- Request members contact office if unable to pay outstanding invoices
- Slip Lease payments were due April 1, 2020
- Please pay if possible.
- Certain slips are owned by the marina while others are owned by individuals. In the latter case, these monies are a pass thru to the owner of the slip
- Contact office asap if unable to pay. We would like to advise owner of slip and it will be their decision to as to payment arrangements going forward
Payment of slip fees are important to the marina’s ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations and remain operational.
Ultimately, the actions of the Federal, State and Local Governments over the next month or two are unknown. Will the Stay at Home Order be lifted on May 1st? May 15th? June 1st? We just do not know. This entire situation remains fluid and we will adjust our actions accordingly. Hopefully, the above outline will answer some of your questions. We are not attempting to be allusive in our answers, we just do not have the answers at this time.
We can assure everyone that our goal is to be ready and fully operational when everyone returns. At this time, the entire staff is healthy and working towards achieving this goal. We would also like to thank the members for the general adherence to our requests to date. Please keep our social distances with regards to the staff so we can continue to keep our employees healthy so we can support our marina. Remember this should be everyone’s “Happy Place”.
We hope that all members and your families are safe and healthy. We look forward to everyone’s return when the marina may re-open and everyone can safely enjoy boating again.
Visit https://bowleysmarina.com/covid-19-updates/ for all updates pertaining to COVID-19 Coronavirus and its affects on the marina’s operations
Be Safe and follow CDC guidelines
Bowleys Marina Office Phone Number is 410-335-3553
BOWLEYS MARINA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER IS 443-604-1852