Marina (ship)

A marina is a specially designed harbor with moorings for pleasure craft and small boats. Unlike commercial ports that handle cargo and large passenger vessels, marinas primarily cater to recreational boating.

Key Characteristics:

• Purpose: Primarily for docking, mooring, and servicing recreational boats, yachts, and small personal watercraft.
• Facilities: Marinas typically offer a range of facilities including docks, piers, boat ramps, fueling stations, sanitation facilities (pump-out stations), parking, and sometimes maintenance and repair services. Many also include amenities such as restaurants, shops, and showers.
• Location: Marinas are usually located in sheltered waters such as harbors, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas to provide protection from strong winds and waves.
• Moorings: Moorings are the places boats are tied or anchored to, typically including docks, slips (individual parking spots for boats), and buoys.
• Management: Marinas can be publicly owned and operated, privately owned, or managed by clubs or associations.

Distinction from Other Maritime Facilities:

The key distinction between a marina and other maritime facilities like ports or harbors lies in the primary user base. Ports and harbors accommodate large commercial vessels, while marinas focus on the needs of recreational boaters.