A. It is unlawful for the owner, lessee, manager, or other person operating any dock in the city of Bellingham, or for the owner, lessee, operator, or master of any watercraft therein, to use any gangway or gangplank for embarking or disembarking passengers from any watercraft from or to any dock without a strong and well-secured lifeline or handrail on both sides of such gangway or gangplank from end to end thereof.

B. Whenever any gangway or dock devoted to public use appears to be dangerous for such use, the harbor master or any police officer shall report the matter to the city building official who shall inspect the same and, if required, shall forbid the use of such gangway for any purpose until the same shall have been repaired or reconstructed so as to render it safe for use. The building official may cause to be erected such fencing or barricade he deems necessary to prevent the use of any unsafe gangway or dock and the expense thereof shall be paid by and recoverable from the owner, agent, or lessee of such dock or gangway to the city. [Ord. 9515, 1985; Ord. 8655 § 2(F), 1978].