A dock can make your waterside experience more fun and convenient. However, it is not a project that you can simply throw together without the help of professionals.

The Order embodies a scheme which, at one stroke, makes a fundamental change in the nature of employment on the docks. It cannot therefore be ideal at the outset. Contact Charleston Dock Works now!

Buoyancy chambers are compartments within a structure that are specifically designed to provide buoyancy or flotation. They do this by displace enough water to offset the weight of the structure, causing it to float.

The Chambered Nautilus

Buoyant chambers are an essential part of a marine animal’s structure because they allow the animals to control their buoyancy in order to stay submerged. They do this by passive diffusion and active transport of salts. The passive diffusion process occurs in the siphuncular epithelium, which is an organ that resides inside the mantle cavity. This organ removes salts from the chambered water through a cellular-based mechanism called diffusion, which then allows the chambered water to become hypotonic, which is a condition that allows the animal to maintain its buoyancy.

In addition, the chambered nautilus is able to control its buoyancy by transporting salts out of the mantle cavity through a process called osmosis. This also keeps the mantle cavity hypotonic, allowing it to remain above the surface. This is accomplished by the activity of hydrosynthetic cells, which are located in the siphuncular epithelium.

The ability of a dock to adjust to changing water levels is crucial. Fluctuating water movements can corrode certain materials, make it difficult to enter and exit the dock, leave residue behind, or submerge the dock altogether. Choosing a dock with a buoyancy system that can adapt to changing water conditions mitigates these risks and saves owners money in future repairs and treatments.

A floating dock’s frame must be constructed of a durable material. Wood has long been the traditional choice, but it must be treated with a preservative to prevent rot and other damage. Metal framing can be a good option because it is lightweight and strong. It is able to withstand the forces of wind, waves and tides better than wood can.

Float tubes are another durable material often used to construct floating docks. These tubes are hollow and may be filled with closed-cell EPS foam, polyethylene or another material. They are also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes to meet the specific needs of each project. For instance, a floating dock built for a marina may require square tubes to accommodate a large number of boats. In contrast, a residential floating dock might use rectangular tubes.

Handrails

Whether climbing up or down stairs, walking down hallways or walkways, or maneuvering in a bathroom, handrails are there to help provide stability and support. Handrails are especially important for older individuals and are a safety feature that is highly beneficial for anyone. Each year, 1 million people suffer injuries as a result of falls on stairways. Handrails prevent these injuries by adding a third point of contact. They are also a key element of Dock Works because they help prevent accidents and injuries in and around loading areas.

In addition to being a safety feature, handrails enhance the beauty and functionality of a dock. They are available in a variety of styles, materials, and finishes. Wood offers a classic, cozy feel; metal is durable and elegant; and aluminum and composite offer a modern look with minimal maintenance needs.

Handrails are often a requirement for walkways on the side of docks, ramps, and stepped aisles, but can be added anywhere there is a fall hazard. They must be at least 34-38 inches in height and have a grabable finger recess on both sides. A handrail must also be able to support a 200-pound concentrated load along its gripping surface. It must also be shaped for easy grasping and have a radius of 0.01 inches on all edges.

Although falls, trips, and slips are the second leading cause of occupational injuries, many of them can be prevented. One of the easiest and most effective ways to promote safety is through clear visual barriers. Posting visible, brightly colored warning signs and markings in safe locations can direct the flow of traffic in the dock area and keep pedestrians away from danger zones.

To ensure that your Dock Works project is in compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations, it is recommended that you consult the International Code Council (ICC) or your local government website to learn more about building requirements specific to staircases and handrails. It is also a good idea to contact your local Building Department to get personalized advice and help with the permitting process.

Lighting and Electrical Wiring and Fixtures

Whether you spend your weekends fishing, lounging or entertaining guests, having electricity on your boat dock can significantly enhance your waterfront experience. From charging electronics to providing lighting for evening gatherings, there are many benefits to incorporating electrical work into your dock. But be sure to hire licensed professionals to perform electrical installations and maintenance. Faulty electrical wiring around a boat dock is not just inconvenient—it can be life-threatening.

A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, is an essential safety feature to have installed in any electrical receptacle on your dock. It prevents electrocution by detecting any current that is not traveling properly through the circuit and shutting it off immediately. This device should be inspected and tested on a monthly basis to ensure it is functioning properly.

Another important safety precaution is to have a bonding jumper installed to the GFCI. This connects all the metal parts of your dock to a safety ground on land, which in turn is connected to the receptacle with a GFCI. If there is ever any issue with the receptacle or any of the metal parts in your dock, this will trip the breaker and prevent any injuries from occurring.

Properly designed and executed lighting can improve the aesthetics of your dock, but also create a safer environment for you and your family. Bright, well-placed lighting is essential to navigating the area at night and helping people find their way in and out of their boats. We also install LED lights, which are more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. This provides a better experience for everyone on the water at night and can help cut down energy costs for your home and dock.

Fenders and Bumpers

Fenders and bumpers are the cushioned attachments that sit between a dock system and boat to prevent rubbing and damage. The terms are often used interchangeably, but a strict differentiation exists between fenders and bumpers: A fender is attached to the boat, while a bumper is attached to the dock.

The primary function of fenders is to protect the vessel’s sides and hull from docking mishaps and other unexpected movements in crowded marinas, narrow lagoons or old locks. Whether it’s caused by wind or current, these motions can cause a boat to bounce, damaging its paint, varnish and gunwales, and causing dock scuff marks that require light repairs.

For these reasons, boat fenders are considered essential marine accessories that can save costly repair bills and extend the life of your yacht. Fenders can be made from a wide variety of materials, depending on the type of boat and docking conditions. They can be inflated or non-inflatable, and they are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different boats and dock configurations.

When it comes to protecting the dock and watercraft, however, dock bumpers are the go-to solution for many customers. Like fenders, they are made from a variety of materials to meet specific needs and budgets, but they are typically shaped for applications where inflatable or spherical cushions won’t work, such as squared corners on pontoon boats. Bumpers can also be made from closed-cell foam and molded plastic to protect against impact.

Both fenders and bumpers are designed to absorb energy and resist rubbing, so they need to be regularly inspected for damage. This is especially important in harsh climates, where abrasion and UV damage are more common. If a fender or bumper has been damaged, it should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further deterioration and permanent damage.

While dock builders are generally a safe and healthy workforce, accidents still happen. Injuries can be caused by lack of training, carelessness or alcohol and drug impairment at the job site. In such cases, dock workers may sustain injuries that require extensive medical attention and time off the job, which can lead to financial stress for the family and a disruption in daily routines. This is why it’s crucial that a safe work environment is maintained at all times, and all employees understand their individual and collective responsibility for keeping the workplace free of hazards.