Subcontractor Policy

​POLICY FOR CONTRACTORS, OWNERS, REPRESENTATIVES, YACHT MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, AND ANY PERSON NOT IN THE DIRECT, FULL-TIME EMPLOY OF THE YACHT OWNER.

Safe Harbor Front Street (SHFS) is a business whose philosophy is to provide the highest quality custom maintenance and restoration work on fine yachts. We expect that when a customer places his/her yacht in our care, s/he is doing so because of our dedication to quality. We can only maintain that quality by doing the very work that brought the customer to SHFS in the first place.

Safe Harbor Front Street is a full-service yard and maintains a large staff, trained in all facets of repair. We are not a do-it-yourself yard and discourage that process. While an owner is allowed to work on their vessel while on land with their own tools, any work from the toerail down to the bottom of the keel must be performed by SHFS employees. The use of SHFS staging and/or man lifts is not allowed. Should an owner choose to ignore this request, the boat will be assessed the appropriate amount of time it would have taken to paint, and the owner will be billed that amount at our stated rates. Very special circumstances may be reviewed to allow an owner or captain to paint with prior permission.

Occasionally, a customer will request a service within a time frame that we cannot meet or to perform work on a unique product where a specialist is required. In these cases we welcome the use of outside contractors and in fact we strive to develop a mutually beneficial working relationship. On the other hand, we discourage the use of outside entities that are in direct competition with our efforts to remain viable.

Any person, except an owner of the yacht on which s/he is working or the owner’s full time captain, shall provide a copy of insurance coverage prior to doing work at SHFS. Such coverage will include, at a minimum, liability in the amount of $1,000,000 and workers’ compensation in the amount of $500,000.

The Owner is fully responsible for the vessel’s condition during its stay at the Yard. The Owner is also fully responsible for any damage to the property of the Yard or to other vessels caused by the Owner’s vessel. The Owner hereby releases, holds harmless, and waives all rights against SHFS for any and all claims for paint, coatings or wrap damage or loss of any kind arising out of the haul-out process. The Owner, on behalf of the Owner and the Owner’s insurer, indemnifies and holds the Yard, its officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from all claims, damages, and losses, including attorney fees and loss of use, unless caused by the sole negligence of the Yard, its employees, or agents.

Our employees are very friendly and outgoing; please do not put them in an awkward situation by asking to use shop tools and equipment. We have had too many close calls with owners, captains and subcontractors and wish to avoid a serious injury. Under no circumstances will anyone other than SHFS employees use tools or equipment owned by SHFS.

Owners, contractors and crews who are doing approved work at SHFS shall:

  • Sign in every day and indicate the nature of activities.
  • Observe all safety precautions and policies instituted by SHFS. Contractors must attend a safety indoctrination session, which is presented by an SHFS safety officer.
  • Not impede the progress of work being performed by SHFS or interfere with the SHFS work schedule.
  • Not enter restricted areas including private offices, stores, and shops except when accompanied by SHFS staff.
  • Purchase from SHFS stores all non-specialty materials. A courtesy discount of 10% is applied to purchases.
  • Immediately report injury to persons or damage to property and equipment; alert a member of SHFS staff and file a written report of the incident.
  • Enter premises only during normally scheduled hours of operation at SHFS.

Additionally:

  • SHFS will apply a 10% surcharge on subcontractor work performed.
  • Day rates may apply.
  • Over two-week live-aboard is not permitted.
  • Anyone found not adhering to SHFS policy will be asked to leave the yard.