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  • Explore The Harbors
    • Montrose
      • Montrose

        Montrose Harbor is located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park, a short walk from Montrose Beach. With a great neighborhood feel, Montrose offers outstanding northern views of the skyline, a strong dinghy fleet, and friendly boaters that call the harbor home.

    • Belmont
      • Belmont

        Belmont Harbor is located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park and is one of the largest harbors in the Chicago Harbors system. A favorite among families and long-time boaters, the harbor is surrounded by acres of park space and a beautiful skyline view to the south.

    • Diversey
      • Diversey

        Diversey Harbor is located in the heart of Lincoln Park sheltered within Lake Shore Drive. Due to bridge restrictions, Diversey can only accommodate power boaters and has a friendly and lively reputation.

    • DuSable
      • DuSable

        DuSable Harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago at the foot of Randolph Street. Surrounded by a towering skyline and being the only harbor with slips close to the loop, it is a very popular mooring location.

    • Monroe
      • Monroe

        Monroe Harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and its 824 mooring cans combine to create the central panorama of the Chicago skyline. Iconic to the Chicago Harbors, Monroe has a strong community of long-time boaters many of whom love the nostalgia and history of this harbor at the foot of the city.

    • Burnham
      • Burnham

        Burnham Harbor is located within walking distance of the Chicago downtown and is situated on the Museum Campus. It is the largest harbor in the Chicago Harbors system.

    • 31st Street
      • 31st Street

        31st Street Harbor is the newest and most anticipated addition to the Chicago harbor system. Completed in 2012 with slips for 1000 boats and a sustainable, eco-friendly design unrivaled in the industry, it provides an exceptional experience for boaters.

    • 59th Street
      • 59th Street

        59th Street Harbor is located in Jackson Park, a very short walk to the Museum of Science and Industry and the 63rd Street Beach.

    • Jackson Park Inner
      • Jackson Park Inner

        Jackson Park Inner Harbor is located in Jackson Park on the western side of Lake Shore Drive. Due to bridge restrictions the harbor can only accommodate power boaters. Surrounded by green space and steps to 63th Street Beach, the harbor has a small and very friendly community.

    • Jackson Park Outer
      • Jackson Park Outer

        Jackson Park Outer Harbor is located in the heart of Jackson Park just off 63rd Street Beach. The harbor is beautifully set within the park and it’s quiet temperament and friendly faces make it a relaxing part of the lakefront. Jackson Park Yacht Club calls the harbor home and an old Coast Guard station stands watch over the western shore.

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Chicago Harbor Commercial Permits Documents Upload

Commercial Permit Documents

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    The Chicago Park District Code - Chapter 8 States:

    "No permittee shall moor his/her Boat at any mooring other than the mooring authorized by the permit or by a duly authorized Harbor Manager." You cannot pick up passengers at any place except your assigned mooring.

    "No permittee shall allow his/her Boat to be Operated within the Harbor System by a person who does not meet the operating requirements prescribed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, United States Coast Guard, city, state and federal laws."

    The Chicago Harbor Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines state:

    “The permit holder is responsible for the conduct and behavior of guests to their boats, regardless of whether they are present.” And Commercial Permit holders “are not to give out harbor gate codes to guests, either verbally, in print or through any other means. Hosts must arrange to admit guests individually as they arrive. All harbor gates must remain closed and locked at all times.” 

    Documented violations of the Code and/or Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines can result in the revocation of your permits. By submitting these documents, you acknowledge you will abide by the Chicago Park District Code and Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines and are aware of the enforcement procedures.

    Recreational Vessel

    No Passengers – any person who pays or contributes (fuel, food, beverage, or other supplies) other than the Charterer.

    No Captain or Crew provided by the owner including boats owned by LLCs that include the Owner/Captain or Captains/Crew on staff.

    Submit sample written contract with the Charterer including requirement to follow Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Guidance and the Chicago Harbor Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines. Submit list of Captains provided to Charterer.

    Submit IDNR Rental Boat License each year.

    Submit Certificate of Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.

    May carry up to 12 persons not including the Captain and Charterer.
    Recreational Vessel Agreements(Required)

    Uninspected Passenger Vessel

    Type or Usage(Required)
    Passenger
    Carrying at least one Passenger for hire.
    Captain/Crew provided by Owner.
    Provide Captain’s License.
    Submit sample written contract with the Charterer including requirement to follow Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Guidance and the Chicago Harbors Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines.
    Submit IDNR Passenger Boat License each year.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    May carry 6 or less passengers not including the Captain and Charterer.
    Passenger Agreements(Required)
    Fishing
    Carrying at least one Passenger for hire.
    Captain/Crew provided by Owner.
    Provide Captain’s License.
    Submit IDNR Sport Fishing Charter Operators Permit each year.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    May carry 6 or less passengers not including the Captain and Charterer.
    Fishing Agreements(Required)
    Sailing
    Carrying at least one Passenger for hire.
    Captain/Crew provided by Owner.
    Submit IDNR Rental Boat License each year.
    Submit IDNR Passenger Boat License each year.
    [Something else?] Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    May carry 6 or less passengers not including the Captain, Crew and Charterer.
    Sailing Agreements(Required)

    Small Passenger Vessel

    Carrying 7-12 passengers not including Captain, Crew and Charterer.
    Captain/Crew provided by Owner.
    Provide Captain’s License.
    Submit sample written contract with the Charterer including requirement to follow Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Guidance and the Chicago Harbors Rules of Conduct & Party Guidelines.
    Submit IDNR Passenger Boat License each year.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    Small Passenger Vessel Agreements(Required)

    Inspected Passenger Vessel

    Inspected Passenger Vessel choice(Required)
    20 Passenger
    Carrying 13-20 passengers not including Captain, Crew and Charterer.
    Provide Captain’s License.
    Provide USCG Inspection Certificate
    Submit IDNR Passenger Boat License each year.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    20 Passenger Agreements(Required)
    Party Carrying 20 or more passengers.
    Submit Chicago Business License
    Provide Captain’s License.
    Provide USCG Inspection Certificate
    Submit IDNR Passenger Boat License each year.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    Submit City of Chicago Commercial Vessel Owners Permit
    Party Agreements

    Dealer

    Dealer Submit Chicago Business License or equivalent.
    Submit Certificate of General Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 naming Chicago Park District – Westrec SMI OpCo, LLC as additional insured each year.
    Submit IL Registration for each boat in the Harbors.
    Dealer Agreements(Required)
    312.741.3601      Fax: 312.877.5771 westrec@westrecchicago.com 1521 S. Linn White Drive, 1st Floor South, Chicago, IL 60605

    Slip Information

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    Harbors

    • Montrose
    • Belmont
    • Diversey
    • DuSable
    • Monroe
    • Burnham
    • 31st Street
    • 59th Street
    • Jackson Park Inner
    • Jackson Park Outer

     

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