Group begins delving into issues with dangers tied to stray electricity along water

By Greg Ellison

(June 24, 2021) Safety issues dominated discussions during the Ocean Pines Marine Activities Committee last Tuesday.

Committee Chair Gerald Horn said members are looking to investigate the potential of electricity dangers surrounding marinas.

Horn said a committee member discovered a news article exploring the frequency of stray electricity in waters near marinas.

“Evidently it’s a common problem that gets ignored,” he said. “Electricity and water don’t mix.”

While not implying the issue has occurred at the Ocean Pines Marina or the Swim & Racquet Marina, Horn said the problem has been witnessed worldwide.

Horn said next steps involve consulting with board liaison Doug Parks and coordinating to bring an electrician to explore the topic in detail at an upcoming committee meeting.

“It’s a safety thing that evidently marinas across the world face because boaters want their electricity,” he said.

With summer season in full swing and Independence Day celebrations looming on the horizon, Horn also highlighted the importance for recreational boaters to assure their pleasure crafts are seaworthy.

“The local [Ocean City] Power Squadron offers to do safety checks,” he said.

The Ocean City Power Squadron offers its Vessel Safety Check Program to assure compliance with federal, state and local laws, with a special focus regarding onboard safety equipment.

“It’s an all-volunteer organization but they’re all really experienced people,” he said.

The local group is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, whose stated mission is preventing loss of life or injuries, as well as avoiding boating-related property damage.

“It rarely costs for most services,” he said.

No-cost safety checks are conducted by volunteer examiners certified by both the U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard, and serve to raise overall awareness through on-on-one interactions with vessel operators.

Penalties are not issued for deficient equipment on personal watercraft, small powerboats, yachts, sailing vessels, canoes or kayaks, but corrective measures are explained.

For more information visit www.ocusps.org.