As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DRAFT
The maximum depth of a vessel as measured from the surface
of the water to the deepest part when loaded to the manufacturer's
maximum load specification. In vessels equipped with outboard or I/O
engines, draft shall be measured with its propulsion unit in its lowest
operating position.
MEAN HIGH WATER (MHW)
The present arithmetic mean of water heights observed at
high tide over a specific nineteen-year metonic cycle determined by
using hydrographic survey data of the National Ocean Survey and the
U.S. Department of Commerce.
MEAN LOWER LOW WATER (MLLW)
The average of the lower low water heights of each tidal
day as established by the arithmetic mean of water heights observed
at low tide over a specific nineteen-year metonic cycle determined
by using hydrographic survey data of the National Ocean Survey and
the U.S. Department of Commerce.
MEAN LOW WATER (MLW)
The arithmetic mean of water heights observed at low tide
over a specific nineteen-year metonic cycle determined by using hydrographic
survey data of the National Ocean Survey and the U.S. Department of
Commerce.
MOTORBOAT
Any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery
is the principal source of propulsion (M.G.L. c. 90B, § 1).
NAVIGATION
The ability to traverse a waterway by watercraft.
PIER OUTHAULS
Pier outhauls are similar to shore outhauls but are connected in some way to a pier. Pier outhauls are subject to a different set of regulations (Ch.
703, Private Docks and Piers).
SEASONAL USE
The securing and retrieval system of the shore outhaul, including
the line and seaward piling, is not in place prior to April 1 of each
year and is removed prior to November 1 of each year.
SHELLFISH HABITAT
Areas below MHW that exhibit, or can be demonstrated to have
exhibited within a reasonable historical period, characteristics.
including but not limited to sediment type, grain size, circulation
patterns, hydrologic regime, water chemistry, plant and algal communities,
food supply, and normal predation patterns necessary to support shellfish
species populations. A determination of shellfish habitat can be based
on the results of a site analysis and/or on current or historic shellfish
productivity, municipal shellfish population development programs,
or as shown on any maps or reports developed by the Marine and Environmental
Affairs Division filed with the Commission and the Town Clerk (for
example, the "Significant Shellfish Resource and Habitat Area Mapping
Project for the Three Bay Area," dated August 21, 2000). Shellfish
relay areas are presumed to be good habitat. Absence of shellfish
shall not be solely determinative of the quality of shellfish habitat
due to the cyclic nature of shellfish population.
SHORE OUTHAUL
The entire structure of any boat securing and retrieval system
by which a boat is secured to a line connecting a piling located in
the water, and a post or similar structure on or near the shore. The
shore outhaul system enables the craft to be retrieved for boarding
or loading, and returned for securing following use.