Diana Fu  0:08  
Hello and welcome to Dockside, the podcast that helps you save and enjoy the waters you love by sharing clean and safe boating practices. I'm your host, Diana Fu. In today's episode, we will meet local harbor masters, Alicia Kunz, Eric Chiu, and Andrew Rehberg and talk about what it takes to manage a successful marina in the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and beyond.

All right. Well, thank you, the three of you for joining me today on our first episode of Dockside. I would love to just go ahead and get started with some introductory questions or just introductions in general, so that the folks listening can get a sense of who's here. Eric, why don't we go with you first and then we can go around the room. We'll go Andrew and Alicia.

Eric Chiu  1:08  
for my name is Eric Chiu on with Delta Bay Marina. We have 120 boat slips and we're located in the California Delta on the San Joaquin River.

Andrew Rehberg  1:21  
This is Andrew Rehberg. I am the harbor master for Brisbane Marina. We are in San Francisco Bay about seven nautical miles south of the Bay Bridge in between San Francisco and South San Francisco. We have 580 slips here in our Marina with approximately 87% occupied at the time. And probably about the first marina you're going to come across heading south and south bay of the San Francisco area on the peninsula.

Alicia Kunz  1:50  
My name is Alicia Kunz. I'm the marina manager at Essex Marina City Club. We are in Basin E of Marina Del Rey in the back basin, in beautiful Los Angeles. And we have 303 slips and we're at about 92% occupancy.

Diana Fu  2:09  
Wonderful. Thank you so much for those introductions for our listeners. I actually wanted to dive a little bit deeper into how each of you came to this profession of being a harbor master or marina manager. You know, it's not usually a job that a kid grows up thinking, "Yeah, I want to grow up and manage a marina". Why don't we go around the room and each of you can just talk a little bit about how you came to this profession. Let's go Alicia, Andrew and Eric.

Alicia Kunz  2:41  
So funny enough, I got my start in the marina industry through Craigslist. I was working in restaurants and bars for many years and just needed a change. And I started looking for just basic office jobs and saw a customer service rep was needed at a busy Marina office. I thought, "That sounds cool. I like boats, I like water. Great." So got the job got promoted to office manager and about six months and several years later, I came over to the marina where I'm at currently to run the property here and also oversee the dock renovation project. And since then, we've done six total construction projects on the property which has been fun to deal with. Lots of challenges but worth it, and I've been here at this property nine years now, 15 total in this harbor. And I grew up actually in north of Seattle. So it was in the Northwest all of my childhood, spent every moment possible on the water, riding ferries, going on friends boats (the best way to have a boat) and just had lots of interactions with orcas and all the sea life in the Puget Sound. Just every every holiday I could I was going to Friday Harbor and go into the sand ones. So that's really my my background is up in the Northwest. I lived in the Bay Area for a long time as well. But now I've been in LA and surprisingly, LA has so much marine life outside. It's pretty shocking. We have a city of 10 million people and the times that I've seen blue whales off the coast of Redondo or a humpback breach on my way to Catalina, or just the other day seeing whales off of Santa Monica beach just sitting on the beach. There are a bunch right there. It's, it's pretty astounding. I love it.

Andrew Rehberg  4:43  
Well, I actually started with a Craigslist ad myself back in 2011. But prior to that I had figured out back in my teenage years that becoming a harbor master was my ideal career that I wanted to work towards. I've loved being around boats, water and people since I was a little kid and been an avid boater since I was six years old, starting my own boat ownership at the young age of 15. But yeah, upon responding to the ad in 2011, I was hired on with a private marina back in the San Joaquin Delta as well. Not too far from Mike's Marina there and was there for approximately eight years before I transferred out to Brisbane Marina to municipality, and I've been here for approximately two and a half years. My relation with boating is I'm avidly in the Delta, as well as here in the Bay. I've done everything from small dinghy racing to the Big Daddy classic here in the Bay area as well on sailboats, poker runs and waterskiing, wakeboarding tubing all the fun watersports activities I can possibly get my hands on. So overall, been in harbor management for coming up on 11 years now.

Eric Chiu  6:15  
So I'm probably the only one that didn't get jobs through Craigslist. So, you know, I got this job because our family operates a resort here in the Delta. And, you know, we have a, my father is actually, you know, was engineer at a pretty large port in Taiwan. So I'm kind of like, you know, we kind of had a history of, you know, working at marinas, but before this, I was working real estate, and, you know, the previous Marina manager left, so I took over the Harbormaster position, and I'm a recreational sailor, I've always, you know, like tinkering with things. We have a small electric fleet that we rent out. So we've been working on that, that's kind of a fun project. And, you know, working here at the marina, it's always a challenge every day, have a background as an engineer, so, you know, maintaining things on the water is not necessarily easy. So it's, you know, always a challenge every day. So, and, you know, being being here on the San Joaquin, you know, you know, Sacramento Delta has been great, you know, it's like the view here is great people. It's a, you know, it's a we're kind of between two large population centers, Sacramento and the Bay Area. So we got a lot of tourists that come in. So every day, it's always been a fun job kind of working with the tourists and kind of playing tour guy.

Unknown Speaker  7:42  
Wonderful. Well, thank you all three of you for just interesting answers on how you each came to become a harbor master or marina manager. I think it's really funny that two out of three of you actually came to this profession through Craigslist. We're going to take a quick break and hear from our tips over at California State Parks.

California State Parks  8:02  
Did you know that California State Parks division a boating waterways have life jacket loan stations throughout the state of California where you and your family can borrow a life jacket for free? To find a life jacket loan station near you, visit boatcalifornia.com And remember to take a safe boating course and get your California Boater card. For more information, visit www.californiaboatercard.com. Save the ones you love. Life jackets save lives.

Diana Fu  8:35  
And were back with our guests today, Alicia Kunz, Eric Chiu and Andrew Rehberg. I wanted to move forward into some questions just about you know, a typical day in the life of a marina manager. So I'm going to go around the room. Let's go Eric, Alicia, Andrew, what does your typical day in the life of a marina manager look like?

Eric Chiu  8:57  
You know, I think uh, you know, for me, being a marina manager has been mostly been kind of dealing with both combination of customer service, understanding the environmental regulations, as well as a lot of dock maintenance. So, it's maybe not as exciting as people think it is, at least you know, from, you know, we do a lot of work here on the docks ourselves. And there's, there's always you know, customers that come in that have unique needs that we we try to help with, as well as the, you know, always trying to maintain best practices as far as like, you know, being compliant with environmental regulations.

Alicia Kunz  9:40  
I often joke that my job consists of property management, customer service and babysitting adults. This really requires a lot of skills that are just so different from day to day and from you know, keeping your budget and your expenses. is on point to fostering good relationships with your boaters, government agencies, the local sheriffs, the Bay Foundation (little shout out), advertising, sales, maintenance, emergency response, you just kind of wear a lot of different hats. And I've worked at an old marina with old docks and a new renovated marina. And there's varying degrees of maintenance that go along with both a lot of preventative maintenance for newer, and a lot of sort of reactionary maintenance for older docks. It really depends on that. But yeah, you just always have to be prepared for the next thing to go wrong.

Andrew Rehberg  10:47  
Well, I'd like to say that we have our usual routines, but I think the only thing that's constant is change. And with that said, it's very much like she said that we wear many hats. It's not just the boats we deal with, but we're also in the business of electrical, plumbing, janitorial, parking, customer service, responding to emergencies, and anything else that happens that crop up during the day. But on top of all that, still maintaining our budgets, and looking forward to how we can maintain and improve our facilities to keep them clean, safe and enjoyable for our boaters to come out and relax, because that's the ultimate enjoyment is for them to come out and enjoy the facility for what it is. And for boating being more of a discretionary type income for many people, they don't want to come out here and step around stuff or have to worry about hazards, they want to come in and relax and let go of all their stressors from the normal day. So trying to make it a Disneyland ready type of facility is the best way I can put it. But you know, that just takes a multitude of different tasks each day. And that can vary from mild to wild from each day.

Diana Fu  12:13  
Wow, well, it seems like the three of you have your hands full. And and the three of you actually kind of alluded to this a little bit. But my next question for you all is, what are some major challenges to managing a marina? And I'm going to go to Andrew first with that question. And then we'll go Eric, and Alicia.

Andrew Rehberg  12:34  
So I think some of our major challenges, it kind of touches back with just mentioned was keeping our docks clean, safe and enjoyable for our marina tenants. And, in trying to keep the docks clean and safe, it's really making sure that we're out on the docks regularly. And a big part of being on the docks is getting to talk to our clients and hearing what their concerns are or their points of view of how things could potentially be improved or their point of view of seeing things from their eyes. Because a lot of times, I'm just one person with a small maintenance crew, and we can't be everywhere at one time. So we do rely heavily upon our customers to help kind of point out things that need attention that maybe we haven't been able to get to or see. Such as when storms or wind events come along, making sure power cords aren't draping through the water dock lines aren't coming loose cleats aren't breaking, breaking free from the wind loads, etc. So it's just, these are some of the major concerns I have with trying to keep the client's assets safe and secure.

Eric Chiu  13:49  
I think you know, a lot of the challenges are really maintaining security in the marina, making sure that you know, a lot when the boaters aren't here that the boats are safe. As well as dealing with some of the unexpected issues that come up. Even though we're an inland marina storms are also a fairly frequent occurrence. We had storms for, you know, where it literally took the roof off some of our berth. So, you know, we need to make sure that you know, we're prepared for these storms. Also, you know, there's being a facility on the water, there's quite a bit of you know, tidal changes, we don't have to all the problems that maybe the coastal marinas have, but still, you know, wind events, tidal events, these things, these are things that we really have to be on top of to make sure that you know, the boats are protected. There also a lot of you know, new regulations that come up, you know, it's our job to make sure that we're on top of these regulations as they come up and be aware of what's going on. So and as well as educating the general boating public about these new regulations. So that's, you know, part of our job.

Alicia Kunz  15:05  
Well, Andrew and Eric nailed all of the, all of the maintenance challenges. So I, I will actually talk about more of the communication with all of the different agencies and all the different voter personalities, it's so important to be clear and direct and concise with your information that you're getting to people. And a lot of boaters will come to you as a resource for so many different things. And so making sure that you're giving accurate updated information is always a, you know, it's information gathering, it's double checking sources and making sure that you're sending out accurate information to them, so that, you know, they're able to make better decisions for themselves and for their vessels. And just communicating with vendors also is huge, both the third party vendors that work on boats, and the vendors that do maintenance for us at the marina.

Diana Fu  16:11  
Thank you all for your insightful answers. Alicia, I loved that you touched upon communications, it kind of goes right into my next question, which is really about environmental and boating safety practices. I wanted to ask the three of you, how does your marina integrate environmental and boating safety practices and resources into its services? So does your specific marina offer any pollution prevention services, so examples I'm thinking of are pump out stations and dump stations, you know, do each of your marinas offer any type of oil spill responses and etc.

Eric Chiu  16:51  
We do we have a public pump out station, we have a free a lifejacket loaner station, and then a fishing line recycling station as well. We, you know, have some we have a marina rules on, you know, both cleaning oil storage, as well as making sure that the boaters have insurance that covers any environmental impacts such as oil spills, we've had a few incidents here, you know, on with, you know, sinking boats, so we become much more aware of the issue and, you know, are working with our boaters to making sure that they cover, you know, for any cleanup cost, in case, these incidents happen, particularly with older boats, we try to work with the boaters here to make make sure that they understand that they're they have the impact on the environment. You know, we're in the California Delta and here it's, you know, this is also a major source of drinking water, you know, for a large part of the state. So, as well as being a, you know, sort of a natural nature preserve. So we try to make sure that people understand that, you know, there's an impact on the environment on the fish and you know, on the local wildlife, you know, in terms of their actions, and we do our best to preserve nature and you know, try to contribute what we can to protecting the environment.

Alicia Kunz  18:22  
So we have a public pump out that anyone in the harbor can use 24/7 At our E 2800 dock right next to [indiscernable]. So that is available for anyone in the harbor to use. We do education programs through the Dockwalker program, I'm a certified Dockwalker. So I did do some of those trainings last year to small groups. And as as I go introduce people, new voters come in and we do that. We do oil spill response training my staff and I do that every time that it's available in Southern California. And we always have our booms and bilge pads and all of that ready. I keep a close eye on all of the updates with the sheriffs and the fire department and the Coast Guard. I love that the Coasties have started to communicate more with the marina managers in Marina Del Rey, they've actually come to us several times in the past couple years to identify potential hazardous boats. So that's been really helpful to have them come out and work with us closer.

Andrew Rehberg  19:36  
So to get out the environmental and safety practices, we do actually do a monthly newsletter that we send out to all of our current clients and anybody who actually subscribes to our newsletter in the surrounding areas. And generally in that area, kind of take the time to express any concerns especially dealing with you know, upcoming storms or paths forms or items I've seen on the docks frequently that need to be corrected in order to keep the docks in the water clean and safe. In addition to that, we do also partner with the dockwalking programs which case a lot of times because of our promenade along our dock headbox they set up tents there and catch all of our boaters or even interested public that goes by and helps educate them on clean boating practices and disposal oil and other hazardous materials safely properly. In addition, we also do have our public pumpout dock open 24/7 to not allow clients but local voters in the area that are visiting or frequent the area regularly along ourselves adjacent or adjacent to our south seawall. And then we do supply oil booms and pads for any type of spill response. And also our oil spill response equipment trailer for any larger spills with curtain booms in the San Mateo area. And then for clients who are working on their boats as a DIYer, we do provide oil patch for those to put in their builds around their bilge pumps, in case there's any type of leakage or spill inside the boat while they're doing their project to help prevent it being discharged into the water.

Diana Fu  21:23  
Thank you all three of you for really just sharing more about what your marina offers in terms of environmental and, you know, safety practices. I want to just close out with some more just general questions for the folks listening. For each of you, I would love to know what your perfect tenant looks like. And what is something that you wish more boaters knew. And I'm going to go to Eric first with that question.

Eric Chiu  21:51  
We work with everybody to provide public access to the waterways. Here we see the marina more as a as a portal to the river. And you know, our we see our job is really providing people with a way of getting on the water. So we have a you know, we run our fleet for those of those that those folks that don't have boats, and then we try to make it easy for people to get get on the water. We lend out life jackets, you know, they bring their own boats. So we do our best to you know, work with everybody to making sure that they have access to the river as a recreational source.

Diana Fu  22:29  
Wonderful. Thanks, Eric. Now moving to Andrew and then Alicia.

Andrew Rehberg  22:34  
Well, I'm going to go with Eric, I don't exactly have a perfect boater. But I think what we'd like to see is an active boater somebody who utilizes their boat for what it was designed for in the in the Bay here and even in the Delta area. Because an active boater generally keeps your vessel clean and proper working condition, insured. And also the active boater, typically, I'm hoping will follow policies and guidelines that are placed by the marina, the US Coast Guard. And then also the last but not least, is the ability to make sure their payments are made to the marina on time. That's always a good help. But something that I wish the other boaters knew more about is that the harbor office is not a bad place to be, you know coming to us for information on proper disposal of oil, fuel, electronics, zincs, batteries, etc. We have a lot of that information available in our offices. And I'm sure it's not just here, but most harbors have that information available so that the voters can safely and properly dispose of these items versus them being disposed into nature, illegally and wrongfully. But yeah, coming to the harbor office is a great resource that most boaters can tap into for a lot of things they may not be aware of.

Alicia Kunz  24:02  
So there's not really a perfect tenant, I'm not a perfect tenant, you know, sometimes my rent is late or my boat is dirty, or I forgot to send my insurance. You know, we all need gentle reminders for that kind of stuff. And you know, everybody makes mistakes sometimes and I believe everybody deserves a chance to correct whatever behavior or thing needs to be addressed. Most importantly, I just want our boaters to make safe and respectful choices when they're here at the property. And leading into that I guess my gentle plea is just remember that your dock masters and their staff are trying to juggle so many stressful situations to just be kind and understand that we're running the Marina based on what the owners want and we're expected to enforce rules and we truly deeply care about the community. I've never met a dock master that doesn't care. I think our biggest fall is we care too much. So I think that can get lost or forgotten when boaters come and talk to us or when we need to address something with them. And sometimes they don't like our answers. It's hard not to take things personally on both sides. But I think it's important for us to take a step back and realize how lucky we are to have this access to the water and the ability to enjoy it. And, and I'm just grateful for that. And I think, I think a lot of a lot of our boaters, do you realize how lucky we all are? And how hard we all work to make this a nice place for everybody to enjoy.

Diana Fu  25:45  
Yeah, I mean, totally, thank you so much, all three for your answers. And yeah, I totally agree, Alicia, what you're saying, with harbor masters or marina managers, you know, having a lot of different hats to wear, a lot of times being the folks to be, you know, kind of like that hall monitor, you know, reminding people of rules, just to make sure that they're keeping the waters, you know, safe and clean for really everyone for everyone to enjoy. And that leads to, you know, straight into my last question, just just Are there any recommendations you want to offer to boaters and marina managers that are listening, that keep our waters clean and our boaters safe. And along with that, do each of you have any final thoughts that you would like to share with us and our listeners?

Eric Chiu  26:33  
I think a lot of boaters don't realize that, you know, there's a lot of regulations about the water these days and that boating as much as you know, it's a fun activity can be a older boat could be a big liability, particularly in the case where you know, the boat sinks, or if, you know, there's oil discharge into the river, you know, or into the waterways that that's really a major environmental cleanup. So I think a lot of boaters aren't you know, they they see the fun aspect of boating, but they don't necessarily see that they don't want to think about the the hard work that it takes to maybe clean up after a boat or, you know, after boating activities and things like that. So, you know, it's, I think it's part of our job to educate people and try to make the cleanup easy, but it's not always something that the boaters want to think about or want to deal with. So unfortunately, that's really kind of that's kind of why we're paid to do our jobs, I guess. So you know, and that's why the regulator's try to keep us on our toes as well. 

Andrew Rehberg  27:39  
I think the biggest recommendation is to and something maybe not everyone does on a regular basis, but I even struggle with trying to do this. But check your bilges regularly as a boater because a lot of times taking a look down there can be a good source of knowing what's going on with your boat via either through hole leak oil, you know getting into bilge before it is discharged in the water and causes a much bigger headache for not only yourself your insurance company but the harbor master and the dock hands as well because nobody wants to see dirty water everybody wants to have clean water so you can go out enjoy it. But yeah, generally, the biggest thing is trying to understand the the clients from harbor masters perspective and knowing that everyone has a different story, a different background, a different view, and listening with an open ear to work together, but not to judge or to shut down somebody else's views because they may be different from your own.

Alicia Kunz  28:52  
I think Andrew said said it best you know use your marina office as a resource. We may not have all the answers but we can help you find them. That's that's really it. I really love sharing my passion for the water and for boating. And all boaters do I think we have that all in common. I say we have a little salt in our brain for doing this hobby because it does take so much work and, and love and attention to keep your boat safe and running, to enjoy those little special magical moments where you see this humpback breach right in front of your boat. It's incredible. But there's a lot of work that goes into it. And so knowing what to do ahead of time is so important. Just reach out to us talk to us.

Unknown Speaker  29:43  
All right. Well, thank you all for joining us for our first episode of dockside. I'm your host Diana Fu and my guests today were Alicia Kunz of Essex Marina City Club in Marina Del Rey, California. Andrew Rehberg of Brisbane Marina in Brisbane, California, and Eric Chiu of Delta Bay Marina in Isleton, California. We hope you'll join us for our next episode on the effects of oil spills on the environment and what you can do to prevent and report them. For more information on clean and safe boating, visit boatcalifornia.com That's boatcalifornia.com.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai