August is Seaworthiness Month!

The Port of Brownsville will be conducting vessel checks for compliance with the Port’s Rules and Regulations regarding vessel seaworthiness. Port staff will conduct the checks.

The checks will include but are not limited to:

• Current registration sticker
• General condition of the vessel including appearance of regular maintenance
• Appearance of excessive bottom growth that would impair the vessel from reasonable control and power function
• The vessel’s propulsion system (engine, outdrive or sail) in condition that lends to reasonable use
• Condition & compliance of the ship to shore power cable
• AC stray current check

Depending on these visual inspections, the Port Staff may require the owner to navigate the vessel from the moorage slip, navigate outside the port approximately 500 yards and return safely to moorage.

The first Brownsville dock was built in 1901 by community donated work and continued to be kept up by community effort until the Brownsville Port District was formed 7 April 1920 by special election. Brownsville Port District is what is known as an Independent “Special District.” State law defines a special district as “any agency of the state for the local performance of governmental or proprietary functions within limited boundaries.” A special district is a separate local government that delivers public services.

Brownsville is located on the Port Orchard Bay half way between Bremerton and Poulsbo making it a convenient place to visit or stay. The Port facility offers both guest and permanent moorager’s excellent parking, fuel, large boat ramps, electrical and water hook-ups at all moorage sites.