Marina Dock Walk Checklist: What to Check and What Should Happen Next

Before starting the Dock Walk

A useful Dock Walk starts with context. Before stepping onto the pontoons, check the information that could affect what you expect to find: planned arrivals and departures, berth changes, outstanding defects, weather-related concerns, contractor activity and unresolved items from the previous shift.

• Review expected arrivals, departures and berth movements.
• Review open maintenance or safety issues affecting the dock.
• Check for outstanding actions handed over from the previous shift.
• Note any unusual conditions likely to affect the inspection.

1. Berths and occupancy

Compare what is physically on the dock with the marina's expected berth picture. Occupancy discrepancies matter because they can affect arrivals, billing, customer service and operational safety.

• Confirm occupied and available berth status.
• Identify vessels that appear to be in an unexpected berth.
• Check berth numbering and identification are visible.
• Note obstructions that could affect safe access or allocation.

2. Vessels and mooring

The Dock Walk is not a technical vessel survey, but obvious changes or concerns should be captured and escalated in accordance with marina procedures.

• Observe mooring lines and fendering for obvious concerns.
• Note unusual vessel position, trim or movement.
• Record obvious damage or conditions requiring attention.
• Confirm access around the vessel does not create a dock hazard.

3. Pontoons, access and dock infrastructure

• Inspect walking surfaces for damage, loose sections or trip hazards.
• Check cleats, bollards and other visible mooring points for obvious defects.
• Check gangways, access points, gates and handrails for obvious issues.
• Confirm lighting and signage appear serviceable where applicable.
• Record anything restricting safe movement along the dock.

4. Shore power, water and utilities

• Look for visibly damaged pedestals, covers, sockets or fittings.
• Check cables and hoses are routed without creating obvious hazards.
• Look for leaks, standing water or other abnormal conditions.
• Escalate electrical or utility defects through the marina's approved procedure.

5. Safety and emergency equipment

• Confirm designated emergency equipment is present and accessible.
• Check fire and lifesaving equipment for obvious damage, obstruction or missing items.
• Keep emergency routes and access points clear.
• Record damaged safety signage or equipment requiring formal inspection.

6. Environmental and housekeeping observations

• Look for visible spills, sheens, leaks or pollution concerns.
• Check waste and service areas for obvious problems.
• Remove or report loose items and debris in accordance with marina procedures.
• Record housekeeping issues that require follow-up rather than leaving them for the next walk.

7. Maintenance observations

The most important maintenance question is not simply whether a defect was noticed. It is whether the defect became an owned, visible action.

• Record the exact berth or location.
• Describe the problem clearly enough for another person to act on it.
• Add a photo where useful and permitted.
• Determine priority using the marina's own escalation process.
• Assign or communicate responsibility for follow-up.

Before completing the Dock Walk

• Confirm significant observations have been recorded, not left to memory.
• Escalate urgent safety issues immediately under marina procedures.
• Assign or communicate follow-up actions.
• Update berth or vessel context where the walk identified a discrepancy.
• Make unresolved items visible to the next shift.
• Close the loop when completed work has been verified.