The Ocean Pines Yacht Club marina now has five new gas pumps and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(June 22,2023) Ocean Pine’s new marina gas dock is now open and is fueling vessels with its five gas pump from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Yacht Club marina.

All gas docks are in compliance with the state’s fuel-delivery and electric codes, General Manager John Viola said Saturday.

During the board of directors meeting on Saturday, Viola said some users had raised concerns about the safety of an aluminum dock. He assured the board and users that the aluminum docks are grounded. If lightning strikes, the charge will go to a grounding rod rather than any person or equipment, including the gas lines.

Other safety measures include new piping that meets new federal safety standards. The wiring is also explosion proof, so if there were leaks or fumes from the gas pumps, they would not ignite.

Viola said inspections were done by the contractor and state officials were on site since the beginning of the project, working with installers and guiding OPA through the process. The state has certified the entire gas system, including plumbing and electrical.

“You have a product that will last way longer and is more efficient and effective than the wooden docks and probably more effective, the way it is designed and built for safety,” Viola said.

Now that the dock is certified as safe, boaters can gas up and get fishing gear, bait, snacks, shirts, and hats at the shop, all in time for the summer boating and fishing season.