MARINA EMERGENCY PLANNING THAT WORKS

Marina Emergency Planning that Works

Ready for Anything: Marina Emergency Plans That Work

From sudden storms and fuel fires to medical incidents on the docks, marinas face unique risks that require fast, coordinated responses. But having a written marina emergency plan isn’t enough. What matters is whether staff know their roles, have practiced them, and can react in real time—without confusion or delay.

June, as National Safety Month, is the ideal time for marina operators to take stock of their emergency readiness. Whether your team has been together for years or just came together for summer, revisiting and drilling your emergency protocols can make the difference between a close call and a crisis.

Why Marina Emergency Planning Requires More Than a Binder

Most marinas have at least a basic emergency action plan—often created to satisfy insurance or permit requirements. But a plan left in a file cabinet is no substitute for real-world readiness.

Emergency planning is more than just compliance—it can determine a marina’s ability to rebound after a crisis. According to a  Forbes Tech Council article, approximately 40% of small and medium-sized businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, with an additional 25% failing within the first year. Marinas face their own range of hazards, from storms and fuel-dock fires to electric-shock incidents and medical emergencies. Having a practiced, accessible plan is essential not just for safety but for survival.

Fires at fuel docks or inside boats
Electric shock drowning (ESD) in faulty dock systems
Severe weather or high-wind events
Boater medical emergencies (drowning, heart attack, injury)
Chemical spills from maintenance or bilge discharge
Security incidents (theft, trespassing, altercations)

Each of these events demands a specific and rehearsed response.

What a Functional Marina Emergency Plan Looks Like

A marina emergency response plan should do more than meet checklist requirements. It should be:

Clear – Easy to understand in a stressful moment
Specific – Outlines roles, equipment, and contact steps
Accessible – Available to staff, not buried in a drawer
Practiced – Reinforced with regular drills and reviews

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages facility operators to update their plans annually and review them any time operations, staffing, or infrastructure change.

Core Components of a Real-World Marina Emergency Plan

Defined Roles and a Chain of Command

Every staff member should know:

Who’s in charge during an emergency
Who calls 911 or marine patrol
Who handles crowd control, gate locks, or power shutdowns
Who retrieves first-aid or fire suppression tools

Create a laminated Emergency Role Card for each shift position. Include it in onboarding and post it in shared areas like the office or fuel dock.

Site Maps and Utility Shutoffs

Your plan should include labeled maps that show:

Fire extinguishers and life ring locations
ESD shutoffs and breaker panels
Fuel shutoff valves and pump controls
First-aid kit and AED (automated external defibrillator) locations
Emergency boat ramps or evacuation points

Keep printed versions in waterproof sleeves at the marina office, maintenance shop, and any 24-hour access point.

Contact Protocols

Post and share emergency contact numbers:

911 / Local Fire & EMS
U.S. Coast Guard or Marine Patrol
Utility company (electric, gas, water)
Local spill response or hazmat services
Key staff mobile numbers or radio call signs

Include location-specific instructions (e.g., “Tell 911 you’re at North Basin, Dock D, 2200 Marina Drive”).

Building a Culture of Readiness Through Drills

Planning is only half the battle. Training and drills ensure your team can carry out your plan.

Recommended drill types:

Fire suppression drill – Practice using extinguishers, alerting others, and evacuating slips
Man-overboard response – Retrieve life rings, use ladders, and call for help
Severe weather procedure – Secure loose gear, shut off power, issue alerts to boaters
Medical emergency – Simulate AED use and emergency response

Record each drill date, participants, and lessons learned. The American Red Cross offers team training in CPR, AED, and first aid, often with on-site options.

Common Gaps Found in Marina Emergency Plans

Even seasoned marinas sometimes overlook key areas, such as:

No night or weekend staffing plan – Who responds after hours?
Lack of coordination with tenants or vendors – Do boaters know what to do?
Outdated maps or equipment locations
No training for seasonal or part-time staff

Each season brings changes—new staff, new infrastructure, new risks. Review your plan each spring and again in mid-season to ensure it still fits.

Enhancing Communication During Emergencies

Consider adding these tools to improve response clarity:

Two-way radios for dock crews
Mass texting systems (like SimpleTexting or One Call Now) for alerting slipholders
QR code-based access to digital marina emergency plans
Pre-scripted public address announcements for key scenarios

Clear, fast communication is essential—especially in large marinas where shouting across slips isn’t realistic.

Coordinating With Local Responders

Build a relationship with your local fire department, EMS, and water patrol before an incident occurs.

Invite them for:

Pre-season walkthroughs
Fire extinguisher location checks
Discussions on access routes and dock hazards
Joint training events

The National Fire Academy recommends that facility operators coordinate directly with responders to reduce delays and confusion during emergencies.

What Marina Operators Can Do Right Now

Here’s a quick mid-season checklist to improve your emergency readiness:

Repost key emergency numbers in all staff areas
Confirm all extinguishers, AEDs, and life rings are visible and accessible
Assign or reassign staff emergency roles and responsibilities
Run one low-stress drill this month to reinforce response muscle memory
Walk the property with your marina emergency plan in hand and verify all info is current

Emergencies are unpredictable—but how a marina responds doesn’t have to be. With clear roles, practiced responses, and updated tools, your team can handle the unexpected with confidence. In the end, preparedness isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your people, your customers, and your reputation.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended solely as a starting point or reference. It is not intended to serve as a complete, authoritative guide to marina emergency planning. Always consult with qualified professionals, adhere to applicable codes and standards, and consider the specific conditions and requirements of your project. The authors and distributors of this checklist assume no responsibility for any actions taken based on its use.

About MariCorp

Maricorp is one of the largest floating boat dock manufacturing and construction companies in the United States, specializing in galvanized steel floating docks and boat lift systems. With projects spanning coast-to-coast, Maricorp provides marina consultation and design, marine construction, marina repair and renovation, and boat dock disaster response and demolition.