Stay Safe: Understanding Stray Currents at NYC and on the Docks

Ahoy, fellow boaters! We're launching a marina-wide initiative to test all vessels for stray current. This is a crucial step to ensure our boats and neighbors stay safe. Stray current, often from the 110V shore power systems, can cause serious damage to your vessel and others. Left unchecked, it leads to electrolysis, corrosion, and even electrical shock hazards.

Testing helps identify any issues, whether they're from your boat or a neighbor's. Each dock post is equipped with a 30mA GFI, which will trip if the stray current exceeds this threshold. But even low levels can add up across multiple boats, potentially causing a dock-wide power loss.

We’ll be setting up a scheduling process so we can come to your vessel and perform the test. While the booking system is still being developed, we’ll be in touch soon with next steps. The test will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes and the owners need to be present We’ll connect your shore power through our testing device, turn on individual systems—starting with common ones like the hot water heater or air conditioner—and capture the readings. The goal is to pinpoint any sources of stray current and document them clearly.

You’ll receive a summary of your test results, and all findings will be securely stored in a National Yacht Club database to support ongoing safety efforts. If we find a 110V circuit on your boat that is leaking a higher-than-safe level of milliamps, we’ll let you know directly. This way, you can take action before it causes harm or trips the dock GFI.

Importantly, this initiative isn’t just about your individual boat—it’s about the collective safety of all vessels on the dock. We also want to identify which boats may be contributing to recurring power outages. A small issue on one vessel can affect everyone connected to that dock. By working together, we can make sure our marina remains safe and reliable for all.

We’ll also share tips on galvanic isolators and other tools that help reduce stray current risks. And if you’re looking to dig deeper into the topic, check out Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook by Charlie Wing—it's a trusted reference for marine electrical systems.

Guest vessels will also be included in the testing program to keep everyone safe.

Stay tuned for more updates and scheduling info—and thanks for helping make our docks safer, together!