Summer boating season is finally in full swing! I wanted to talk about best practices for marina access control.
Marinas have Unique Access Control Needs
Marinas have unique security and access control needs. First, they have seasonal slip holders who need access control for the entire season. Typically, docks are accessible only to boat owners and their guests behind locked gates. As marinas usually occupy expensive real estate in prime locations, parking is usually at a premium, too. Because of this, marinas typically gate the parking areas.
There are also transient boaters to account for. These are people staying overnight or for a few days that need access to the docks.
Add to all this lots of visitors! Boating is inherently social. There will be many people visiting boat owners that need access to both the docks and parking. Marinas really need a flexible access control system that can be used by boat owners and guests alike.
Give Boaters Access with Just their Phones
Tap2Open can help with all of these. Tap2Open can allow slip holders the ability to open the gates to the parking and docks with their smartphones. In addition, boat owners can use Tap2Open invites to provide access to parking and docks for their guests. With an invite, a guest can open the gates by themselves, without having to call the boat owner and wait for the owner to let them in. With Tap2Open, the visitor does not have to register or install an app, making the process much more convenient!
Transient Boaters Present Special Situations
As a boater myself, I can tell you, this isn’t always easy. First off, as a transient slip holder, typically you are handed access cards when you check in. Unfortunately, they usually don’t give you one for each person on your boat! What happens if you split up for the day? How does everyone get back on the boat? This can be a pain, as someone must open the gate for you. Not convenient!
I did stay at one marina that offered a smartphone solution. But the (transient) boater needs to download the app and register to gain access. This had to be repeated by everyone on the boat! So it turned out to be a huge pain! Transient guests don’t need to do this with T2O!
Using Tap2Open, the marina can send a time restricted invitation to the transient boater, which allows them to let themselves into the marina, without having to issue cards or keys. Transient boaters can simply use their phone for entry. Based upon configuration the transient boaters could also allow their guests entry using the invite! Again, this is super convenient for the marina staff and for boat owners and guests. The invitation can also be shared by the owner with his crew or guests, so that they can come and go as needed.
Oh, and at the end of your stay, typically the marina asks for the key cards back, or they charge you $50! Marinas and guests alike can avoid the hassle and just use their phones with T2O!
Access Control for Amenities
Many marinas also have additional amenities that need access control. Many have pools and gyms. Tap2Open can manage access to these spaces for slip holders and guests, too. Access schedules can be set up to limit usage to specific schedules.
Access Control for Vendors
As any boater will tell you, things on boats break…A lot! With Tap2Open, the slip holder can send an invite to the vendor. When they arrive, they can let themselves into the marina, without having to wait for someone to meet them there or let them in. Users can also receive a notification when the vendor arrives, so you’ll know they showed up to make the repair.
Modify Invitations without Issuing new Cards
Invitations can be modified, so if a transient guest wants to stay for an additional night, staff can simply update the invite, and the guest’s access will be extended; the invitation does not have to be re-sent.