Electric Shock Drowning

[thaeni]

I'v been reading more and more about the dangers of swimming in
marinas due to the danger of stray current. I'v been told this only
applies to fresh water.
My question is: Is there a way to check for stray current around the boat
before you take a dip!

 

[justsomeguy]

You can test to see if a boat is leaking electrical current using something called an AC clamp meter, which clamps onto a shore power cord and measures electricity going into the boat's electrical system and returning from the system. If the two numbers aren't exactly the same, electricity is in the water.

Or use a voltmeter. One probe grounded, the other touching the water.

 

[fstbttms]

I'v been reading more and more about the dangers of swimming in
marinas due to the danger of stray current. I'v been told this only
applies to fresh water.

Does not apply to freshwater only, but is rare in saltwater. Either way, never get into the water next to a boat that is plugged into the shorepower.

 

[dive7mmwet]

I am a diver and I tell all my pals stay out of marinas ,stray electrical due to just so many bad things going on in boats, lack of GFI's ,battery chargers instead of marine grade charging / topping systems, lack of proper grounding's on cords or devices. and the no# 1 is
old boats owned by Rupe Gloeberg then all of the above and more!

What gets you is you becoming a better ground then the juice flowing has as in touching a steel piling or bottom while doing your project.
be safe stay out of marinas and find a safe spot to do underwater work!

 

[fstbttms]

I am a diver and I tell all my pals stay out of marinas ,stray electrical due to just so many bad things going on in boats, lack of GFI's ,battery chargers instead of marine grade charging / topping systems, lack of proper grounding's on cords or devices. and the no# 1 is
old boats owned by Rupe Gloeberg then all of the above and more!

What gets you is you becoming a better ground then the juice flowing has as in touching a steel piling or bottom while doing your project.
be safe stay out of marinas and find a safe spot to do underwater work!

Again, really only applies to freshwater. I am a hull diver and have performed over 20,000 bottom cleanings in my 18+ years in the biz. Never even been shocked. Further, during those 18+ years, well over 1,000,000 cleaning events have taken place in SF Bay Area marinas and to my certain knowledge, no diver has ever been injured or killed due to ESD. Swimming in saltwater marinas is not inherently dangerous, IMHO.

 

[dive7mmwet]

I don't golf ball dive either! so call me a wimp salt/ fresh juice is juice and you probably work on them with the key in the ignition! LOL!

 

[fstbttms]

I don't golf ball dive either! so call me a wimp salt/ fresh juice is juice and you probably work on them with the key in the ignition! LOL!

Defensive much?