Employee Handbook
Admiralty Marine
2775 Kurtz Street, Unit 12
San Diego, CA 92110
Effective January 1, 2026
General Employment Policies
Introductory Statement
Welcome! As an employee of Admiralty Marine (the "Company"), you are an important member of a team effort. We hope that you will find your position with the Company rewarding, challenging, and productive.
This employee handbook is intended to explain the terms and conditions of employment of all full- and part-time employees and supervisors. Written employment contracts between Admiralty Marine and some individuals may supersede some of the provisions of this handbook.
This handbook summarizes the policies and practices in effect at the time of publication. This handbook supersedes all previously issued handbooks and any policy or benefit statements or memoranda that are inconsistent with the policies described here.
Anti-Harassment
Admiralty Marine is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct. Company policy prohibits conduct that is disrespectful, unprofessional as well as harassment based on sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
If you believe that you have been the subject of harassment or other prohibited conduct, bring your complaint to your own or any other Company supervisor, the president or the personnel administrator of the Company as soon as possible after the incident.
You should be aware that the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the California Civil Rights Department investigate and prosecute complaints of prohibited harassment in employment. The nearest office can be found by visiting the agency websites at www.calcivilrights.ca.gov and www.eeoc.gov.
At-Will Employment Status
Admiralty Marine personnel are employed on an at-will basis. Employment at-will means that the employment relationship may be terminated, with or without cause and with or without advance notice at any time by the employee or the Company. Nothing in this handbook shall limit the right to terminate at-will employment.
No manager, supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment on other than at-will terms. Only the President/CEO of Admiralty Marine has the authority to make any such agreement, which is binding only if it is in writing.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Admiralty Marine is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.
To comply with applicable laws ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, the Company will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result.
Right to Revise
Admiralty Marine reserves the right to revise, modify, delete, or add to any and all policies, procedures, work rules, or benefits stated in this handbook or in any other document, except for the policy of at-will employment. However, any such changes must be in writing and must be signed by the president of Admiralty Marine.
Hiring
Employee Classifications
Full-Time Employees: Regular full-time employees are those who are scheduled for and do work 40 hours per week. Following the completion of the introductory period, regular full-time employees are eligible for most employee benefits described in this handbook.
Part-Time Employees: Part-time employees are those who are scheduled for and do work fewer than 30 hours per week, but not fewer than 20 hours.
Temporary Employees: Temporary employees are those employed for short-term assignments, generally periods of three months or fewer.
New Hires and Introductory Period
The first 90 days of continuous employment at Admiralty Marine is considered an introductory period. During this time, you will learn your responsibilities, get acquainted with fellow employees and determine whether or not you are happy with your job. Your supervisor will closely monitor your performance.
Completion of the introductory period does not entitle you to remain employed by Admiralty Marine for any definite period of time. Your status as an at-will employee does not change.
Job Duties
During the introductory period, your supervisor will explain your job responsibilities and the performance standards expected of you. Be aware that your job responsibilities may change at any time during your employment. Admiralty Marine reserves the right, at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions, or assign additional job responsibilities.
Leaves of Absence
California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Leave
Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave under the California Family Rights Act for qualifying reasons including: the birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care; to care for a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, registered domestic partner, or designated person with a serious health condition; for the employee's own serious health condition; or for qualifying military exigencies.
Designated Person: Employees may identify one designated person per 12-month period who is related by blood or whose association with the employee is equivalent to a family relationship. Please contact the President/CEO to designate this person.
Pregnancy Disability Leave
Any female employee disabled by pregnancy may take up to four months of leave. Part-time employees are entitled to leave on a pro rata basis. Admiralty Marine will also reasonably accommodate medical needs related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions or temporarily transfer you to a less strenuous or hazardous position where one is available.
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking Leave
Employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking are eligible for unpaid leave to attend judicial proceedings or to obtain restraining orders. Employees can use their paid sick time for these purposes. Please provide reasonable advance notice of the need for leave unless advance notice is not feasible.
Jury Duty and Witness Leave
Non-exempt employees will not be paid while serving on jury duty. Notify your supervisor of the need for time off as soon as a notice or summons from the court is received. If work time remains after any day of jury selection or jury duty, you will be expected to return to work for the remainder of your work schedule. You may use paid sick leave for jury duty or witness appearances.
Victims of Crime Leave
An employee who is a victim or who is the family member of a victim of certain serious crimes may take time off from work to attend judicial proceedings related to the crime. You may use paid sick leave for these absences.
Military Leave
Employees who wish to serve in the military and take military leave should contact the President/CEO for information about their rights before and after such leave. You are entitled to reinstatement upon completion of military service, provided you return or apply for reinstatement within the time allowed by law.
Time Off for Voting
If an employee does not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote in an official state-sanctioned election, the employee may take off enough working time to vote, up to a maximum of two hours, at the beginning or end of the regular working shift. When possible, provide at least two days' notice.
Volunteer Civil Service Personnel
No employee shall be disciplined for taking time off to perform emergency duty as a volunteer firefighter, peace officer, or emergency rescue personnel. Employees may also take up to 14 days unpaid leave per calendar year for required training.
Paid Sick Leave and Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Leave
In compliance with California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (as amended by SB 616 and AB 406), Admiralty Marine provides paid sick leave to all eligible employees.
Eligibility: All employees who work in California for 30 or more days within a year from the start of employment are entitled to paid sick leave. However, employees are not eligible to use paid sick leave until they have worked for the Company for 90 days from their date of hire.
Sick Leave Allocation: Effective January 1, 2026, all eligible employees will receive 40 hours (5 days) of paid sick leave on January 1st of each year. The full amount will be placed into your sick leave bank on January 1st.
Carryover: Unused paid sick leave does not carry over from year to year. A new allocation of 40 hours will be provided on January 1st of each year.
Qualifying Uses for Paid Sick Leave (expanded under AB 406):
- Diagnosis, care, or treatment of an existing health condition for the employee or a family member
- Preventive care for the employee or a family member
- For employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- Jury duty or witness appearances
- Attending judicial proceedings as a victim of crime or as a family member of a victim
Family members include: spouse, registered domestic partner, child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, and designated person.
Paid sick leave can be used in two-hour increments. Employees cannot be discriminated or retaliated against for requesting or using accrued paid sick time.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
PTO Allocation: Effective January 1, 2026, all eligible full-time employees will receive 40 hours (5 days) of Paid Time Off on January 1st of each year. The full amount will be placed into your PTO bank on January 1st.
Eligibility: Employees must complete the 90-day introductory period before using PTO.
Carryover: Unused PTO does not carry over from year to year.
PTO Requests: All PTO requests must be submitted in writing and approved by your supervisor. As Admiralty Marine is a seasonal business, we request that PTO be taken during our slower months from October through March when possible. Exceptions will be considered for requests submitted in writing.
The Company does not pay employees for unused PTO upon separation.
Holidays
Observed Holidays
Admiralty Marine closes in observance of the following holidays:
2026 Holidays:
- New Year's Day - Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2026
- Independence Day - Friday, July 3, 2026 (observed)
- Labor Day - Monday, September 7, 2026
- Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2026
2027 Holidays:
- New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2027
- Memorial Day - Monday, May 31, 2027
- Independence Day - Monday, July 5, 2027 (observed)
- Labor Day - Monday, September 6, 2027
- Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 25, 2027
- Christmas Day - Saturday, December 25, 2027
Holiday Pay
After being employed for 6 continuous months, all full-time employees will receive 8 hours of pay at their standard hourly rate for Holiday Pay. You must be employed by Admiralty Marine and working the day before a Holiday to receive Holiday Pay. Holidays and Holiday Pay are subject to change on an annual basis.
Winter Holiday Closure 2026-2027
The store will be closed from Thursday, December 25, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027. The store will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2027.
Employees will be paid for the following holidays during the closure:
- Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2026
- New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2027
The following working days during the closure may be covered using sick leave or PTO:
- Monday, December 28, 2026
- Tuesday, December 29, 2026
- Wednesday, December 30, 2026
- Thursday, December 31, 2026
Note: December 26-27, 2026 and January 2-3, 2027 fall on weekends (Saturday/Sunday) when the store is normally closed.
Benefits
Benefits Overview
Admiralty Marine is committed to providing benefits for eligible employees. Benefit eligibility may be dependent upon your employee classification and length of continuous employment. Upon becoming eligible for certain employee benefit plans, you will receive Summary Plan Descriptions which describe the benefits in greater detail. Contact the President/CEO for information regarding employee benefits.
Health Insurance
Admiralty Marine offers health insurance to eligible employees. You are eligible for this benefit on the 1st of the month following your initial 90 days of continuous employment. Contact the President/CEO for current plan details and premium information.
Workers' Compensation
Admiralty Marine provides insurance coverage for employees in case of work-related injury in accordance with state law. To ensure you receive any workers' compensation benefits to which you may be entitled, immediately report any work-related injury to your supervisor, seek medical treatment if required, and complete a written Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits (DWC Form 1).
External Employee Education
Attendance at training programs, seminars, conferences, lectures, meetings, or other outside activities requires the written approval of the general manager. Submit a written request detailing all relevant information including date, hours, location, cost, expenses, and the nature and purpose of attendance.
Wages
Minimum Wage
Admiralty Marine complies with all applicable minimum wage laws. As of January 1, 2026, the San Diego minimum wage is $17.75 per hour, which is higher than the California state minimum wage of $16.90 per hour. All employees will be paid at least the applicable minimum wage.
Payment of Wages
Admiralty Marine uses Paychex for payroll processing. Employees can access the Paychex app to view and download W-2 forms and pay stubs. Direct deposit is available and encouraged. Employees not enrolled in direct deposit will have paychecks sent by Paychex to arrive on the scheduled pay date.
Paychecks or direct deposits are normally available at: 2775 Kurtz Street, Unit 12, San Diego, CA 92110
If you observe an error on your pay stub, please report it immediately to your supervisor.
Pay Periods: Paydays are scheduled on the 12th and 27th of each month.
- If a regular payday falls on a Saturday, employees will be paid on the preceding Friday.
- If a regular payday falls on a Sunday or Holiday, employees will be paid on the preceding business day.
Special Pay Period Note for 2026: December 12, 2026 falls on a Saturday; employees will be paid on Friday, December 11, 2026. December 27, 2026 falls on a Sunday during the winter closure; employees will be paid on Thursday, December 24, 2026 (the last business day before the closure begins).
Advances
Admiralty Marine does not permit advances against paychecks or against unaccrued vacation.
Overtime for Nonexempt Employees
Employees may be required to work overtime as necessary. All overtime work must be previously authorized by a supervisor. Compensation for overtime is as follows:
- Hours worked in excess of 8 in one workday or 40 in one workweek are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate
- Hours in excess of 12 in one workday are paid at double the regular rate
- Hours in excess of 8 on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek are paid at double the regular rate
Meal and Rest Periods
Rest Breaks: All nonexempt employees are entitled to one 10-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked. You are required to remain on the work premises during your rest break.
Meal Periods: All nonexempt employees working more than 5 hours will be provided an uninterrupted unpaid meal period of at least 30 minutes. You must clock out for your meal period. Your meal period will be provided no later than the end of your fifth hour of work.
Second Meal Period: If you work more than 10 hours in a day, you will be provided a second unpaid meal period of at least 30 minutes, no later than the end of your 10th hour of work.
Timekeeping Requirements
All nonexempt employees are required to use timekeeping software to record time worked for payroll purposes. Record your time at the start and end of each work period, and clock out for meal periods. Employees are not allowed to work "off the clock." Working off the clock violates company policy.
Work Schedules
Admiralty Marine is normally open for business between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Company is closed every Saturday and Sunday. Your supervisor will assign your individual work schedule. The workweek begins at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and ends at midnight on Saturday.
Reporting-Time Pay
Admiralty Marine will pay a minimum of two hours of pay to employees who are required to report to work on a day other than their normally scheduled workday.
Management
Open-Door Policy
Suggestions for improving Admiralty Marine are always welcome. If you have a complaint, suggestion, or question about your job, working conditions, or treatment, discuss your concerns with your supervisor first. If the problem persists, you may present it to the personnel manager, then to the president. This procedure cannot guarantee every problem will be resolved to your satisfaction, but you should feel free to raise issues in good faith without fear of retaliation.
Performance Evaluations
Each employee will receive periodic performance reviews conducted by his or her supervisor. Your first performance evaluation will take place after 6 months. Subsequent evaluations will be conducted on or near your employment anniversary date. Favorable evaluations do not guarantee salary increases or promotions.
Personnel Records
You have a right to inspect or receive a copy of the personnel records that Admiralty Marine maintains relating to your performance or to any grievance concerning you. Requests must be made in writing to the President/CEO. Records will be made available no later than 30 calendar days from receipt of your written request.
Training Records (SB 513): Effective January 1, 2026, personnel records must include specific training records detailing the employee's name, the training provider, the duration and date of the training, the core competencies covered, and any resulting certification or qualification.
Employment of Relatives
Relatives of employees may be eligible for employment only if individuals involved do not work in a direct supervisory relationship or in positions with a conflict of interest. "Relatives" includes spouses, registered domestic partners, children, siblings, parents, in-laws, and step-relatives.
Names and Addresses Policy
Admiralty Marine is required by law to keep current all employees' names and addresses. Employees are responsible for notifying the Company of any name or address change.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting must be pre-approved by an employee's supervisor and requires a Telecommuting Agreement. The Company reserves the right to change or terminate the Telecommuting Agreement at any time. Telecommuters are required to immediately report any injuries that occur while working.
Workplace Privacy
Employees may not use any audio or video recording devices in work areas or in the course of conducting business. The company may use video surveillance in public areas (not in restrooms, locker rooms or changing areas).
Company Property
Electronic and Social Media
Computers and all data transmitted through Admiralty Marine servers are Company property. All electronic communications and information are subject to monitoring and no one should expect privacy regarding such use. The Company reserves the right to access, review and monitor electronic files, information, messages, e-mail, Internet history, and other digital archives.
It is a violation of policy to use computers, electronic communications, or the Internet in a manner that is discriminatory, harassing, obscene, constitutes copyright or trademark infringement, is illegal, or violates Company policy.
Employer Property
Lockers, furniture, desks, computers, cell phones, data processing equipment/software, vehicles, and tools are Admiralty Marine property and must be maintained according to Company rules. They must be kept clean and used only for work-related purposes. Prior authorization must be obtained before any Company property may be removed from the premises.
Off-Duty Use of Facilities
Employees are prohibited from remaining on Admiralty Marine premises or making use of Company facilities while not on duty. Employees are expressly prohibited from using Company facilities, property, or equipment for personal use.
Housekeeping
All employees are expected to keep their work areas clean and organized. People using common areas such as lunch rooms, locker rooms, and restrooms are expected to keep them sanitary.
Employee Conduct
Business Conduct and Ethics
No employee may accept a gift or gratuity from any customer, vendor, supplier, or other person doing business with Admiralty Marine because doing so may give the appearance of influencing business decisions. Please discuss expenses paid by such persons for business meals or trips with the Company in advance.
Confidential Information
Each employee is responsible for safeguarding the confidential information obtained during employment. You have a responsibility to prevent revealing or divulging any such information unless necessary for your duties. Any breach of this policy will not be tolerated and legal action may be taken.
Conflicts of Interest
All employees must avoid situations involving actual conflict of interest. An employee involved in any situation that may create a conflict should immediately disclose the circumstances to his or her supervisor. Failure to disclose facts shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
Customer Relations
Employees are expected to be polite, courteous, prompt, and attentive to every customer. Remember, while the customer is not always right, the customer is never wrong. If a problem develops or if a customer remains dissatisfied, ask your supervisor or the general manager to intervene.
Dress Codes
Employees are expected to wear clothing appropriate for the nature of our business and the type of work performed. Clothing should be neat, clean, and tasteful. Avoid clothing that can create a safety hazard. Employees who need a reasonable accommodation because of religious beliefs should contact the Company.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Possession or use of an illegal or controlled substance, or being under the influence of an illegal or controlled substance while on the job is prohibited. Driving a Company vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Distribution, sale, or purchase of an illegal or controlled substance while on the job is prohibited. Violation of these rules will not be tolerated.
Punctuality and Attendance
Employees are expected to be punctual and regular in attendance. If you are unable to report for work, provide reasonable advance notice to your supervisor before your scheduled time. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness will not be tolerated. If you fail to report for work without notification for 1 day, Admiralty Marine will consider that you have voluntarily abandoned your employment.
Absences protected by local, state and federal law do not count as a violation of this policy. Paid sick time protected under California law does not count as a violation of this policy.
Prohibited Use of Cell Phone While Driving
Employees are prohibited from using cell phones while driving on Company business. If your job requires keeping your cell phone on while driving, you must use a hands-free device. Writing, sending, or reading text-based communication while driving is prohibited.
Other Employment
While employed by Admiralty Marine, employees are expected to devote their energies to their jobs with the Company. Employment that directly conflicts with the Company's essential business interests is strictly prohibited.
Political Activity
Company time, facilities, property or equipment must not be used for an employee's outside political activities. The Company will not discriminate against employees based on their lawful political activity engaged in outside of work.
Safety and Health
Health and Safety
All employees are responsible for their own safety, as well as that of others in the workplace. Report all work-related injuries or illnesses immediately to your supervisor or to the human resources department. Admiralty Marine maintains an Injury and Illness Prevention Program available for review in the general manager's office.
In compliance with Proposition 65, Admiralty Marine will inform employees of any known exposure to a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Heat Illness
Employees who work outside may be exposed to extreme temperatures. All supervisors are trained in the recognition and prevention of heat illness. Employees who work outside are encouraged to frequently drink water and are allowed and encouraged to take a cool-down rest in the shade of at least five minutes when needed. These preventative cool-down rests are paid time.
Employees Who Are Required to Drive
Employees whose job duties require them to drive a Company vehicle or their own vehicles for Company business must show proof of current valid driving license and proof of insurability. The Company regularly checks DMV records of all employees required to drive. Employees who drive their own vehicles on Company business will be reimbursed at the applicable IRS mileage rate.
Security
Be aware of persons loitering for no apparent reason. Report any suspicious persons or activities to security personnel. Secure your desk or office at the end of the day. Immediately notify your supervisor when unknown persons are acting suspiciously or when keys, security passes, or identification badges are missing.
Workplace Violence
Admiralty Marine has zero tolerance for acts of violence and threats of violence. Without exception, acts and threats of violence are not permitted. All such acts and threats, even those made in apparent jest, will be taken seriously and will lead to discipline up to and including termination. Possession of non-work related weapons on Company premises shall constitute a threat of violence.
Termination
Involuntary Termination and Progressive Discipline
Violation of Admiralty Marine policies and rules may warrant disciplinary action. The Company has a system of progressive discipline that may include verbal warnings, written warnings, and suspension. The Company may, in its sole discretion, utilize whatever form of discipline is deemed appropriate under the circumstances, up to and including immediate termination of employment.
Reductions in Force
Under some circumstances, Admiralty Marine may need to restructure or reduce its workforce. If possible, affected employees will be informed of the nature and foreseeable duration of the layoff.
Voluntary Resignation
Voluntary resignation results when an employee voluntarily quits employment or fails to report to work for one workday without notice or approval. All Company-owned property, including vehicles, keys, uniforms, identification badges, and credit cards, must be returned immediately upon termination of employment.
Required Notices
Know Your Rights Notice (SB 294)
Effective February 1, 2026, California employers are required to provide employees with a "Know Your Rights" notice informing them of their workplace rights. This notice provides information about the California Civil Rights Department and how to file complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Employees will receive this notice separately from this handbook. If you have not received the Know Your Rights notice, please contact the President/CEO.
Paid Sick Leave Notice
Admiralty Marine displays the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement Paid Sick Leave poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace. Employees are also provided with an individualized Notice to Employee (Labor Code section 2810.5) that includes paid sick leave information.
Emergency Contact Designation
Employees have the opportunity to designate an emergency contact. Please contact the Office Manager to designate or update your emergency contact information at any time.
Confirmation of Receipt
I have received my copy of the Company's employee handbook. I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to read and familiarize myself with the policies and procedures contained in the handbook.
I understand and agree that nothing in the employee handbook creates or is intended to create a promise or representation of continued employment and that employment at Admiralty Marine is employment at-will; employment may be terminated at the will of either the Company or myself. My signature certifies that I understand that the foregoing agreement on at-will status is the sole and entire agreement between Admiralty Marine and myself concerning the duration of my employment and the circumstances under which my employment may be terminated. It supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and representations concerning my employment with Admiralty Marine.
I understand that except for employment at-will status, any and all policies or practices can be changed at any time by the Company. Admiralty Marine reserves the right to change my hours, wages, and working conditions at any time. I understand and agree that other than the president of Admiralty Marine, no manager, supervisor, or representative of the Company has authority to enter into any agreement, express or implied, for employment for any specific period of time, or to make any agreement for employment other than at-will; only the president has the authority to make any such agreement and then only in writing, signed by the president.
Employee's Signature: ________________________________________________
Employee's Printed Name: ________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
Admiralty Marine
2775 Kurtz St. Unit 12, San Diego, CA 92110
Employee Handbook - Effective January 1, 2026