List the structures and connections
Map the dock, lift, pilings, access walkway and shore-power or water connections. Note which parts attach to the wall and which have independent supports.
A visual dock inspection has agreed limits, including inaccessible and underwater portions. Confirm those limits before using a report to decide a replacement scope.
Use the marine route for the actual work
Collier’s PRMAR process covers docks, boat lifts, seawalls and marine demolition. Its guidance measures dock protrusion from the applicable restrictive shoreline reference, so an old sketch may not be enough.
Have the designer identify the relevant reference on the plan. Do not assume a replaced wall leaves every dock measurement unchanged.
Agree on an order that protects access
- Document existing utility routes and shutoff responsibility.
- Decide whether a lift or dock must move before wall work.
- Plan safe access for residents and vessels.
- Coordinate inspections and any specialist reconnections.
- Set responsibility for restoring finishes and property access.
Define the interfaces before separate trades start
Separate a seawall condition issue from damage to the dock or lift, then coordinate their scopes. If different firms are involved, name one contact for schedule changes and document the handoffs. Ask for a combined access plan before accepting two quotes that each assume the other contractor will remove or restore an obstruction.
| Scope item | What to request |
|---|---|
Wall and dock | Ask which attachments, piles and connections are retained, moved or replaced. |
Power and utilities | Identify equipment and services affected, the responsible trade and the required safe isolation/reconnection plan. |
Lift and vessel access | Record when the lift, berth or walkway is unavailable and how that affects the work sequence. |
Return to use | Ask who confirms completion of each component and what records the owner receives. |
For a shared or business waterfront
Include operations, resident access and emergency routes in the work brief. A private residential scope should not be used to price a marina’s utility and operating constraints.
Use the marina planning guide or condominium guide to organize the right decision-makers.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Waterfront protective structure inspection standardSource reviewed 2026-10-25
- Marine (PRMAR)Source reviewed 2026-10-25