Shore Cord Hazards

Are you plugged in wrong?

For powerboats or sailboats that use 110V shore power, shore cords are your lifeline when docked. But while plugging into the pedestal may seem routine, the risks of improper cord use are far from trivial. From tripping hazards to the silent killer known as Electric Shock Drowning, unsafe handling can put your boat, your guests, and even nearby swimmers in danger.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just getting comfortable at the marina, this guide breaks down best practices for shore cord safety—with real-life examples to make the lessons stick.

Why You Should Never Use a Household Extension Cord

Let’s start with the obvious: use only marine-approved shore cords. Domestic extension cords are not designed for wet environments. Picture this: a weekend boater pulls out a spare orange cord from the garage and strings it along the dock to save a few bucks. It’s frayed and not grounded properly. One summer storm later, there’s a short circuit and the pedestal trips—or worse, someone gets electrocuted.

Always use marine-grade shore cords. Anything else is asking for trouble—and most marinas will refuse to let you plug in.

Which End to Plug In First (It’s Not What You Think)

You wouldn’t connect a running water hose to your boat first, right? The same applies to power. When arriving at the dock:

When arriving:

• Plug in the boat end first
• Then plug into the dock pedestal

This order ensures the cord isn’t live while you’re handling it, reducing the risk of electric shock. A fellow boater once told me how he accidentally dropped the live boat end of the cord into the water when he was connecting the cord to the transom—thankfully, the breaker tripped, but not before he got a nasty jolt.

When leaving:

• Unplug the dock end first
• Then unplug the boat end

It’s just like shutting off a water faucet before disconnecting the hose—keeping the system “dry” before pulling away. And whatever you do, never leave a live cord lying across the dock. It could turn into a real-life hazard in seconds.

Real Dock Hazards You Might Not Think About

Loose cords lying across the dock are a major tripping hazard. I watched a man leap from his boat only to land on a shore cord—it rolled out from under his foot like slipping on marbles, and down he went. It wasn’t graceful, and it could’ve been much worse had he hit his head.

Best practices to avoid this:

• Coil extra length loosely around the pedestal.
• Keep cords off walkways and out of the water.
• Don’t jam cords in dock hinges—the pinch points can shred the insulation, exposing live wires.

Floating docks move. Their fingers shift in the wind. A cord crammed into the hinge can become damaged over time—eventually turning the dock into a live electrical hazard. Yikes.

If you are just visiting for a short time, lay the cord along the edge of the dock where nobody will step on it. If you have to lay it across the dock push it down between the dock boards.

Tips for Long-Term Docking

For boaters who are staying for a few weeks or the whole season, make your shore cord setup clean, safe, and out of sight:

• Suspend cords below dock surfaces using zip ties, S hooks, or bent coat hangers.
• Avoid the hinged area between dock and finger dock.
• Join dual cords with tape or zip ties to reduce clutter (some folks even run them through a nylon sleeve for a slick look).

One cruiser I met at the marina had a setup so neat you’d think it was professionally rigged. His cords were suspended under the dock with shrink wrap ties, running cleanly to the boat. Not only did it look sharp—it prevented tripping and kept curious hands away.

Support the Weight—Don’t Hang From the Plug

Heavy cords shouldn’t dangle from the connector on your boat. That weight can strain the fitting over time, cracking it or loosening the seal.

• Loop the cord through a railing
• Or tie it off with a short piece of line

Supporting the weight keeps your connection stable and your fitting intact—another small detail that adds up to long-term safety.

• Inspect cords regularly for cracks, splits, or fraying
• Replace damaged cords immediately—don’t wait until someone gets shocked
• Use a bungee cord if kids or other boaters are unplugging you—this sends the message: “Leave it alone!”

Final Thought: Safety Starts With the Shore Cord

Shore cords might seem like a minor part of boating, but when misused, they can become lethal. A little awareness and a few smart habits can prevent electric shock drowning, serious injury, and costly damage to your boat.

Before you cast off again or settle in for another sunny season at the marina, take a few minutes to review your shore cord setup. It might just save a life—including your own.

Shore Cords are Dangerous

Shore Cords – Which End Do You Unplug First?

Major Harbour Danger

Avoid Electric Shock Drowning