Certification Brochure - Boat Safety In The Marina

Boating Safety Awareness Series—A Public Service of the National Marine Manufacturers Association

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 MARINA DOCK:

Watch all Children. Closely supervise children at all times; assign a responsible adult to watch each child. Children should wear a properly fitted USCG-approved lifejacket whenever they are on the dock or boat.
Beware of Pinch Points. Do not allow hands, feet or any other body part to come between the dock and the boat.
Wear Appropriate Shoes. Wear non-slip shoes and don’t run. Docks can be slippery and can sway; wooden docks may have splinters.
Look for Tripping Hazards. Do not create hazards by leaving trash, ropes, cables, supplies, gear or other loose items on or across the dock. Watch for objects that may be on or extend over the dock.
Watch Your Step. Do not carry heavy or large objects that can obstruct your view or cause you to lose your balance. Use a dock cart to transport gear and supplies.
Be Safe. Wear a USCG-approved lifejacket whenever working on the dock or around the boat.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS ON THE DOCK

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 Dock Master or Marina Manager immediately, such as:
- Worn, rusty or poorly fitting electrical receptacles.
- Any visible signs of damage to a dock power pedestal.
- Shore power cords on the dock that are not fully plugged into their receptacles 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 function on the outlet.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS IN THE WATER

Electrical accidents injure swimmers, boaters and people 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 certain there are no swimmers in the water around your slip. Report any swimmers to the Dock Master or Marina Manager.
Before connecting the shore power cord, turn off both the boat’s main AC circuit breaker and the dock breaker.
Shore power cords and adapters must be clean and dry before use. If they are dropped overboard, allow them to dry before use. Have a certified marine technician check any cord that has been immersed in salt or brackish water.

TO CONNECT THE SHORE POWER CORD PROPERLY:

Connect the cord to the boat first,
then connect the cord to the dock receptacle,
then turn on the dock breaker,
finally, turn on the boat’s main AC circuit breaker.

Check the boat’s polarity alarm or light (if it has one) on the AC panel as soon as the breaker is turned on.

TOD ISCONNECT THE SHORE POWER CORD PROPERLY:

Turn off the boat’s main AC circuit breaker,
then turn off the dock breaker,
then disconnect the dock end of the shore power cord,
finally, remove the cord from the boat 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.

If you are unsure how to connect your boat to shore power, see the Dock Master or Marina Manager for assistance.

IN THE EVENT OF AN IN-WATER ELECTRICAL ACCIDENT:

DO NOT jump into the water. Immediately throw a flotation device to the victim and pull them to safety if possible. “Throw, don’t go!”
Shut-down power if possible.
Call 911 emergency services.
Notify the Dock Master or Marina Manager.

SAFETY ABOARD THE BOAT

TO AVOID ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES WHILE IN THE MARINA:

Wear Your Life Jacket. Make sure that children always wear a USCG-approved life jacket—set an example by wearing one, too.
Carbon Monoxide is Dangerous. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is produced by all fuel-burning engines and appliances, even from other boats near you. Make sure your boat is equipped with a working CO detector and test it daily. Check CO alarms for a “Replace By” date and replace if necessary. Know the signs of CO poisoning and act immediately!
Check the Weather. Check the weather forecast and local radar before leaving the marina. On the water, set the radio for NOAA weather alerts. If there is an alert or signs of an approaching storm, instruct passengers to put on their lifejackets, close doors and hatches, and head to a safe harbor immediately.
Know Boating Etiquette. Ask about the marina’s rules. In general, do not use grills or other fireproducing devices. Keep music volume low. Travel at “no wake” speed and respect the mooring/ anchor lines of others.
Check all Safety Equipment. Make sure your safety equipment is onboard and working. Tell your passengers where the safety equipment is located and how to use it before leaving the marina. Discuss basic boat operations, too!
Man-Overboard. Prepare your passengers on how to respond if someone accidentally falls overboard.
Know Your Alarms. For your protection, it is likely your boat is equipped with one or more alarms in the cabin or at the helm. Test the alarms before each outing and recognize the difference between each alarm. Read the warning labels and your owner’s manual on what to do if an alarm sounds.

To find out more information contact:

National Marine Manufacturers Association
231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2050
Chicago, IL 60604
nmma.org
312.946.6200

United States Coast Guard
Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety
Commandant (CG-BSX-2) Stop – 7501
2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20593-7501
uscgboating.org
202.372.1062

American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc.
613 Third Street, Suite 10
Annapolis, MD 21403
abycinc.org
410.990.4460

National Fire Protection Association
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-9101
nfpa.org
617.770.3000 NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
Article 555 (Marinas and Boatyards)
NFPA 302 (Motorcraft)
NFPA 303 (Marinas and Boatyards)

This brochure is published by NMMA for educational purposes only and it should not be assumed that all relevant safety information is included herein. NMMA makes no guarantee, representation or warranty, express or implied, at law or in equity, as to the validity, accuracy or sufficiency of the information included in this brochure. NMMA assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries, claims, losses or damages arising in connection with the use of or reliance on the information included in this brochure.