Readiness check

Is your dock safe in the water and around the power?

A dock is built in the harshest environment there is, and the moment you add shore power you create the risk of electric shock drowning. The failures are corrosion, ice, and a deadly leakage current. Answer for how the dock is actually built. This is general guidance; confirm with NEC 555, the engineer, and the permitting agencies. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the dock readiness checklist sent over.

1. Is the marina electrical protected against electric shock drowning (NEC 555, GFCI, bonding)?Yes, ground-fault protection and equipotential bondingSome GFCI, bonding unclearNo ESD protection

2. Is swimming prohibited near powered docks, with signage and awareness?Yes, no-swim rule posted and enforcedInformally discouragedPeople swim around powered docks

3. Are the fasteners and hardware marine-grade (hot-dip galvanized or 316 stainless)?Yes, marine-rated fasteners throughoutMixed, some regular steelRegular steel that will rust out

4. Is the lumber or decking rated for water or ground contact (or composite)?Yes, marine-rated materialStandard treated lumberUntreated or wrong-rated material

5. Are the pilings designed for the loads and, in cold climates, for ice jacking?Yes, engineered for loads and iceSized by experience, not iceNo piling design

6. For a floating dock, is the flotation encapsulated (no exposed foam)?Yes, encapsulated floatsSome bare foamExposed foam that breaks up

7. Do you have the waterfront permits (Army Corps, state submerged land, environmental)?Yes, permits in hand before buildingSome permits, others pendingNo permits

8. Is the gangway accessible at the working water levels (slope, transition plates)?Yes, accessible across the water rangeSteep at low waterNot considered