Marina Dock Age, April 2003

Prepare Your Marina for Potential Emergencies
A few simple steps can keep an emergency from becoming a disaster
by Gene Spinazola

Over the years, I have visited marinas in 31 states and 12 countries. During these visits, I’ve had the chance to see good things and some not-so-good things. While every marina is unique — and to a certain extent, site specific — the truth is that, physically, most marinas are quite similar. So there is a lot we can learn from each other, especially regarding safety issues.

No Secret to Good Signage

In the March 2002 issue of this magazine, I wrote an article (“Compliance and complacency”) in which I mentioned the role of signage in promoting marina safety. This subject is important enough to warrant further discussion. Take, for example, the sign in the photo to the right. This sign is excellent for several reasons: First, it’s clear and concise — there is no question what this electrical box controls; second, the lettering is large enough to be read from a distance; third, it is red on white, which signifies safety; and fourth, the material is reflective, making it easier to see at night. These are all inexpensive steps, requiring little expertise, that any marina can take.

A good test of the effectiveness of the signage in your marina is to ask yourself the following questions: Can anyone on your staff shut down the electrical power at your marina? If emergency crews arrive at night and need to shut down the electrical power to “F-dock,” does your signage make it clear how this is done? The answer to these questions has to be a confident “yes,” or your signage is not doing its job.   Continue »