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Boating Safety: Marinas
BOAT SAFETY IN THE MARINA
Use caution around electricity on the dock. Your boat's AC electrical power could be dangerous or even deadly, so it is important to use extra care around the water. ▶ Report Electrical Problems. Report any observed problems to the dockmaster or marina manager immediately, such as: - Worn, rusty or poorly fitting electrical receptacles - Any visible signs of damage to a power pedestal - Shore power cords on the dock that are not fully plugged in or have a damaged outer insulation jacket ▶ Test Outlets First Before Plugging In. If your dock pedestal is equipped with GFCI outlets, test the GFCI unit using the test and reset functions on the outlet.
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ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARDS IN THE WATER
Electrical accidents injure swimmers, boaters and others in marinas every year. Electricity may be present in the water in places where boats are connected to shore power or where marina wiring is defective. Never swim in a marina or in other areas where boats are connected to shore power. WHEN CONNECTING A BOAT TO SHORE POWER: ▶ Make sure there are no swimmers in the water ▶ Before connecting, turn off the boat's main AC breaker and the dock breaker ▶ Make sure shore power cord is clean and dry before use ▶ Have a certified electrician inspect a cord that has been submersed in salt or brackish water
Safe boating begins the moment you step on the dock. Whether you are preparing for a trip, returning home, loading equipment or performing boat maintenance, the following suggestions will help everyone have a safe and fun day on the water.
MARINA DOCK SAFETY
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR AVOIDING INJURIES THAT CAN OCCUR ON A DOCK: ▶ Closely supervise children ▶ Keep hands and feet clear of pinch points ▶ Wear non-slip shoes and don't run ▶ Look for trip hazards such as lines or hoses ▶ Watch your step - don't carry large items that block view ▶ Wear a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD ▶ Make sure cabin is equipped with working CO detector ▶ Check the weather ▶ Know and follow marina rules and "no wake" rules ▶ Make sure all safety equipment is onboard and working ▶ Prepare passengers for man-overboard situations ▶ Know your system alarms and listen for them TO CONNECT A SHORE POWER CORD PROPERLY: ▶ Connect the cord to the boat first ▶ Connect the cord to the dock receptacle ▶ Turn on the dock breaker ▶ Turn on the boat's main AC breaker ▶ Check the boat's polarity alarm or light on the AC panel as soon as the breaker is turned on TO DISCONNECT A SHORE POWER CORD PROPERLY: ▶ Turn off the boat's main AC circuit breaker ▶ Turn off the dock breaker ▶ Disconnect the dock end of the shore power cord ▶ Remove the cord from the boat power receptacle ALWAYS: ▶ Use only UL marine approved shore power cords ▶ Once a year have a certified marine electrician check the boat's entire AC electrical system including the shore power grounding system IN THE EVENT OF AN IN-WATER ELECTRICAL ACCIDENT: ▶ Do NOT jump into the water - throw a floatation device and pull the victim to safety. ▶ Shut down power if possible ▶ Call 911 ▶ Notify the dockmaster or marina manager
