# Read the dockage agreement

Lesson 1 of [Compare berth agreements and storm plans](https://yachtmarinaguide.fyi/academy/compare-berth-agreements-and-storm-plans.md), 16 minutes.

A dockage agreement is the written contract for your berth. Ask for a copy before you pay a deposit. This lesson helps you read it and ask questions. It is not legal advice.

## Find these terms

For each item, mark it clear, unclear or missing.

- The parties, the berth and the dates. Does the agreement name a berth, or does the marina assign one later?
- The term, and how it renews or ends.
- The rate, what it covers and what it leaves out.
- How and when the marina may change the rate, and how much notice it gives.
- Deposits, late fees and refunds.
- Who may end the agreement, for which reasons and with what notice.
- What happens if you sell the boat or replace it with a different one.
- The insurance that the marina requires.
- The marina rules and regulations. Does the agreement include them by reference? Ask for a copy.
- The wording on liability, damage and indemnity.
- What the agreement says about storms.

## Put promises in writing

A manager may promise something by phone. Ask to add it to the agreement or to an attached page. Keep a copy with the signed agreement.

## Know your limits

Terms on liability and indemnity have legal effects. A lawyer can explain them. For a long-term or high-cost agreement, ask a lawyer to review it before you sign.

## Sources

- No law or standard is cited in this lesson. It is a reading checklist.
- Yacht Marina Guide, notice to confirm access, services and berth availability with the operator

Also on the [web page](https://yachtmarinaguide.fyi/academy/compare-berth-agreements-and-storm-plans/read-the-dockage-agreement).