When a person comes into physical contact with an electrical energy source (such as a power line), he may receive an electric shock. This can happen even when swimming.

To prevent electrical shock from occurring, you should install GFCI protection for shore power and the source providing shore power.

Yes. Saline (salt) water has unique properties: Its freezing point is lower than freshwater and its density is higher. Its electrical conduction is much higher than freshwater, and it is slightly alkaline.

Electrical shock can occur when swimmers make contact with an electrified structure, such as a yacht or boat, because of faulty wiring. It can also occur when electrical current leaks into the water from a nearby electrical power supply, such as a yacht dock.

Electric shock drowning occurs when an electrical current, usually low-level alternating current (AC), escapes and shocks nearby people. Read more about electric shock drowning here.

Testing for stray voltage in marinas requires specialized equipment capable of measuring small amounts of current, also known as milliamps (mA). Typical voltmeters (multimeters) are not sensitive enough to effectively detect stray current.

Switch off the power by manually turning off the GFCI outlets and switching off the circuit breaker. You could consider consulting a licensed electrical contractor to determine if the outlet is safe for use.

First, turn off all equipment one by one. Then, disconnect the positive battery cable from the battery. Finally, measure the voltage between the negative battery terminal and the cable using the DC volts setting on the meter. If it reads 12V, or any voltage, then there’s a leak. Turn the power switch off.

Typically, a ground fault will trip the circuit breaker on the boat. However, if a boat is leaking a small amount of current, it may not be enough to trip the circuit breaker. Ground faults and leaking current are common due to the wet environment typically found on boats, and an experienced boat electrician should be consulted to diagnose and resolve these issues.

If there is an electrical failure on a boat or electrical equipment (i.e. panel), and it is in contact with the water, the electrical current from the boat or the equipment will leak into the water. The amount of current present in the water will depend on the severity of the electrical failure and the shore power wiring.

Testing the electrical system, ground fault protection, and stray current in the water at marinas should be completed annually (minimum requirement per 2021 NFPA 303 5.20). DanBi Marine has the equipment and expertise to conduct these necessary tests at least once per year. Testing all of these components helps ensure the marina, boats, and people are as safe as possible.