Service Option Levels

• Homeport must be in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
• $10.00 Association Fee required with each service level.
• Captain’s Choice Card - $100.00
  First 30 miles of tow free to port of choice. Service begins at point of breakdown. Valid only in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Excludes the Potomac River.
• Blue Heron Card - $125.00
  Unlimited freedom to boat the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Members who become disabled and require assistance are guaranteed towing of their vessel back to their homeport or their port of choice, whichever is closer. Excludes the Potomac River.
• Chesapeake Bay Card - $485.00
  Includes all the benefits of the Blue Heron Card, PLUS the Main Tidal Basin of the Chesapeake Bay to Norfolk, Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay Card brings you back to your homeport in Maryland.
• Big Boat Card - $485.00
  Required for boats 60 feet and over. Includes all benefits of the Chesapeake Bay Card.
• Trailer Assistance -  $10.00
  Reimbursement program that provides up to $150 per incident for roadside towing assistance. Invoices must be submitted to Chesapeake Bay Assist Association within 7 days for reimbursement of claim.

Definition of Terms

• Homeport: The location where your vessel is permanently berthed as indicated on the associate application. Also, the port where a trailered vessel was launched.
• Safe port: A port that can accommodate the safe mooring of your vessel and has available means of communication. (Definition from USCG SAR policy)
• Port of Choice: A port or harbor destination, not farther than the homeport.
• Disabled Vessel: A vessel which while being operated, has been rendered incapable of proceeding under its own power and is in need of assistance. (Definition from the USCG SAR policy)
• Incident: An occurrence which renders a vessel disabled.
• Assistance Towing: Non-Emergency assistance provided to a disabled vessel. (Definition from the Federal Register 1994)
• Responder: A towing assistance provider, contracted by Deckelman Marine Group, who is authorized to service BAY ASSIST Associate members as provided by Chesapeake Bay Assist Association.