488390 - Other Support Activities for Water Transportation
When it comes to efficient waterborne transportation, a range of specialized support services plays a crucial role. NAICS code 488390: Other Support Activities for Water Transportation represents the backbone of these essential operations, ensuring smooth marine logistics and vessel management. Whether you're a business owner, government contractor, or industry professional, understanding this NAICS classification helps in identifying market opportunities and compliance requirements.
What is NAICS Code 488390?
NAICS 488390 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities for water transportation that don't fall under traditional shipyard or port operations. This includes services like marine cargo handling, marine pilotage, and vessel salvage services that facilitate the operation and management of waterborne transportation systems.
These activities are vital for maritime commerce, enabling the movement of goods and vessels in ports and on the open water while supporting safe and efficient water transportation.
Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing
NAICS 488390 belongs to the larger Transportation and Warehousing sector, which encompasses all activities related to the movement and storage of goods and passengers. The companies within this code serve an important niche by handling marine-specific support functions such as:
- Marine cargo checking and surveying
- Floating drydock operations (routine ship maintenance)
- Ship dismantling and scaling outside of traditional shipyards
- Vessel salvage and wreck removal
These activities collectively ensure the maritime industry functions effectively, reducing operational delays and enhancing maritime safety.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 488390
Businesses classified under this NAICS code commonly provide:
- Marine Cargo Handling Services: Inspecting, loading, and checking marine freight to ensure compliance and safety.
- Marine Pilotage Services: Guiding vessels safely through hazardous or congested waters.
- Vessel Salvage and Wreck Removal Services: Recovering vessels in distress or clearing wreckage to maintain navigable waterways.
Such specialized operations require expertise in maritime laws, safety protocols, and environmental protection, making them indispensable to the water transportation sector.
Size Standard for NAICS 488390
To qualify under this NAICS code for federal contracting and small business programs, the size standard is set at $47 million in average annual receipts. This threshold helps determine eligibility for small business designations and related government benefits.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 488390
- Companies providing marine cargo checkers and surveyors
- Operators of floating drydocks that conduct routine ship repair and maintenance
- Businesses offering marine pilotage and salvage operations
- Firms involved in ship dismantling at floating drydocks
- Services conducting ship scaling not performed at traditional shipyards
NAICS Code 488390 - Code Details Table
| Activity Description | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cargo checkers, marine | Inspect and verify cargo loaded/unloaded from ships |
| Cargo surveyors, marine | Survey condition and quantity of marine cargo |
| Drydocks, floating | Routine repair and maintenance of ships on floating docks |
| Marine cargo checkers and surveyors | Combined cargo inspection and surveying services |
| Ship dismantling at floating drydock | Breaking down ships at floating drydock facilities |
| Ship scaling services not done at a shipyard | Removing marine growth and scaling from vessels outside of shipyard |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of services fall under NAICS 488390?
This code covers support activities such as marine cargo handling, pilotage, vessel salvage, floating drydock repairs, ship dismantling at floating drydocks, and ship scaling outside shipyards.
Which sector does NAICS 488390 belong to?
It belongs to the Transportation and Warehousing sector.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 488390?
The size standard is $47 million in average annual receipts.
Can a company involved in drydock ship repairs be classified under this code?
Yes, floating drydock operations primarily focused on routine repair and maintenance are included.
Are vessel salvage services included in NAICS 488390?
Absolutely, vessel salvage and wreck removal services fall under this classification.
Understanding NAICS code 488390 is essential for businesses aiming to specialize in the vital support activities that keep water transportation running smoothly. Whether providing marine cargo handling, pilotage, or salvage services, companies registered under this code contribute significantly to maritime trade and safety.
For government contracting opportunities or industry insights related to marine water transportation support services, keeping NAICS 488390 on your radar is a smart business move.
