CHIMACUM — Port of Port Townsend commissioners have approved a new policy to prevent electrical currents entering its marinas.
The policy calls for regular testing to find problems in marina and vessel wiring.
Current leaking into the water can expedite ship hull corrosion, and in extreme cases cause paralysis and drowning of swimmers.
The policy was enacted at the Port’s meeting Wednesday night at the Tri-Area Community Center in Chimacum.
If testing determines that electricity is coming from a vessel, Port staff will contact the boat owner and request that the power be unplugged until the problem is fixed.
If a boat owner can’t be contacted, Port policy is to proceed with the disconnection.
Any problems with Port-owned wiring will be immediately fixed.
If a boat owner doesn’t satisfactorily complete the repairs, or if there are continuing problems, the Port may request the boat be moved out of the marina.
