Rules and Regulations

1. All club members and programs must comply with these Rules and Regulations and the BIAC By-Laws.
   
2. In the event of a conflict between these Rules and Regulations and the By-Laws, the By-Laws will govern.
   
3. These Rules and Regulations may be amended at any time, with or without notice, by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors.
   
4. The current version of these Rules and Regulations will be available to the membership at all times here, and a hard copy will be posted in the lobby of the BIAC building.
   
5. Violations of these Rules and Regulations may result in disciplinary action by a designated Board Member, Program Leader, Team Captain, or other BIAC designee (each, an "Authorized BIAC Representative").

Safety

1. All equipment (private or BIAC controlled) must be used in a safe manner.
   
2. Boats launched from BIAC must use proper lighting before sunrise and after sunset, or in weather that affects visibility.
   
3. No member or guest may launch or remain on the water in unsafe conditions.
   
4. Be aware at all times of other water craft, physical hazards, changing conditions, and wildlife. 
5. Being seen on the water is important for the safety of everyone. All BIAC users in all boats, including coached team boats, are strongly encouraged to wear clothing that enhances their visibility including bright ("hi-viz") colors. A hat is not enough. Black or dark colored clothing is discouraged as you are less visible to others and so endanger both yourself and other users. It may impair a rescuer's ability to find you in the event you end up in the water. Please consider your safety and dress for visibility.
6. A cell phone should be carried in all boats in a waterproof case attached to the boat. It may allow you to call for help if you need it. Note that 911 should be used in an emergency.
7. Ability to swim 100 meters or wear a PFD. Members must be able to swim 100 meters, or must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when on the water in any boat (rowing, paddling or launch).

8. You are responsible for your safety on the water. We share our waterways with other aquatic teams, sail and power boats, tugs, freighters, barges, wildlife, and stationary hazards (like docks and channel markers).  Our wind, tide, and fog conditions change frequently.
   

Conduct on the Water

1. All boats must be logged out and logged in using the designated BIAC Log book. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a suspension of launching privileges for three days.
   
2. Members and guests must exercise good judgment when negotiating traffic on the water: all boats must know the course and obey the "right hand" traffic pattern. Human-powered craft must yield to wind-powered craft.
   
3. BIAC members and guests must behave in a courteous and reasonable manner, both at BIAC and while representing BIAC elsewhere (e.g. on our waterways or at regattas). Disputes should be referred to an Authorized BIAC Representative.
   
4. Noise (especially megaphones and CoxBoxes) must be kept to a minimum within 200 meters of live-aboard craft and the waterside condominiums before 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends.
   
5. Please do not step foot on Bair Island. It is a protected national wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy the water!

Membership Forms and Information

1. All members must complete an online (preferred) or hard-copy Membership Application.
   
2. All members and guests must read, understand, and sign or electronically acknowledge the BIAC Liability Waiver prior to any use of BIAC facilities or services. Members or guests who are not at least 18 years of age must have their their legal parent or guardian read, understand, and sign their Liability Release.
   
3. Members must notify BIAC promptly of any change in their personal information (e.g., change of address, phone, email, or change in student status). Please do so by updating your online profile.

Membership Dues, Volunteer Requirements

1. Membership dues are paid annually. The amount is set by the Board of Directors. Fees for equipment usage, equipment storage, and coaching are additional and are also set by the Board. Dues for adult students attending college full time may receive a 25% discount.  Please contact membership@gobair.org with details of your student status. 
   
2. Payment for new members is due within two weeks of beginning activity at BIAC (or sooner, as directed by individual program leaders). New member dues may be pro-rated, as applicable.
   
3. Continuing members must pay their dues by the beginning of the membership year (May1).  If not renewing, members must submit their intentions in writing 30 days prior to the renewal due date. Continuing members who renew late are not eligible for prorated membership dues or fees.
   
4. All members must satisfy BIAC's annual Volunteer Requirement. In each membership year each member must, at his or her election, either: (i) serve 12 hours in service to BIAC, or (ii) pay an additional $30/hour (up to $250) in dues. The Volunteer Requirement is waived for students.
5. Any member who does not pay BIAC dues and/or satisfy the Volunteer Requirement promptly will be given notice of the delinquency, and his/her membership will be suspended. If full payment is not made within ten (10) days of a suspension, the delinquent member's membership (and all associated rights) will be terminated without notice.

Use of the BIAC Facility

1. Only BIAC members and authorized guests may use the BIAC facility.
   
2. All new members must participate in a site orientation (which may include an equipment certification) led by an Authorized BIAC Representative (e.g. Operations Director or Program Leader) prior to using the facility unsupervised.
   
3. Guests may use the facility only under the supervision of a current BIAC member. Guests are subject to all BIAC Rules and Regulations and the BIAC By-Laws. Please review the guest policy here and pay the guest-use fee.
   
4. All members and guests must exercise care and courtesy in their use of the facility.
   
5. Access to and use of the building, docks, and storage lockers is a benefit of membership.
   
6. The last member or guest to leave the facility must ensure that lights and water are turned off, and that buildings and other storage facilities are locked prior to leaving the facility.
   
7. All members using the water must sign out and back in using the appropriate Log Book. Any incidents on or off the water that result in injury or damage must be reported. Please use the Incident Report Form or the Maintenance Report form online.
   
8. Dogs are not permitted on the premises at BIAC, with the exception of task-trained Service animals meeting the ADA definition. Comfort or emotional support animals do not meet the definition.

Use of Equipment

1. Only BIAC members and authorized guests may use club equipment.
   
2. After use, all equipment must be cleaned and returned to its proper storage.
   
3. Only rowing and paddling watercraft may be launched from BIAC.
   
4. Coxed sweep and paddling equipment may be used only with the authorization and under the direction of an Authorized BIAC Representative.
   
5. Blind shells and paddling equipment may be used only by members and guests who have been certified by an Authorized BIAC Representative.
   
6. Unauthorized use of club equipment is prohibited.
   
7. Unauthorized use of another's private equipment is prohibited.

Equipment Storage

1. Storage of private boats and equipment is governed by the Boat Storage Agreement.