Ferry Landing Slot Licenses

In addition to public piers and berths, New York City also provides ferry landings that require a landing slot license for picking up or dropping off passengers. A landing slot license grants ferry operators and other vessel operators permission to dock their vessels for a specified period at designated ferry landings administered by NYCEDC. NYCEDC manages landing slot licenses for 13 landings owned by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and six landings owned by other municipal and State entities, totaling 19 landings.

Before a landing slot license may be requested, a vessel must possess an NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Private Ferry Operator License (PFOL). If a planned route or stop differs from what is outlined in the PFOL, the operator must submit a Schedule Change Request Form (SCRF) detailing the nature of the planned operation.

Process to Obtain License

1. Initial Request: The ferry operator or vessel submits a completed landing slot intake form, certificates of insurance, USCG vessel certificates of inspection, W-9, and NYS Disability Form to [email protected].
2. NYCEDC Review: Requests are reviewed and coordinated with existing ferry services, such as NYC Ferry, for the requested landing to ensure there are no scheduling or safety conflicts. Insurance certificates are reviewed to confirm that coverage is sufficient and the format is acceptable. Different landing slot license forms may be required depending on the specific landing.
3. Landing fees are calculated based on the jurisdiction and the number of vessel touches per landing. The fee is determined according to the schedule provided by the ferry operator and follows the below fee schedule:
      ◦ Peak Rate: $16.82 per vessel touch
      ◦ Off-Peak Rate: $2.89 per vessel touch (for all times not designated as Peak Period)
      ◦ Layover: $16.82 per hour (for all times)
4. Approval/Execution: Approved landing slot licenses are sent to the operator as a PDF package and agreement for signature. After the operator signs the license, NYCEDC or the relevant jurisdictional party will countersign the agreement.