The climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continue to predict active Atlantic hurricane seasons in the coming years. Therefore, boaters in hurricane-prone regions need to take steps to keep their vessels safe from harm or at least minimize potential damage and injuries. To help, we’ve put together a few important tips:
Move the boat if you can. Protect it if you can’t.
Do not stay onboard.
During a hurricane, winds can exceed 150 km/h and tornadoes are often associated with these storms. If you’re onboard during a bad storm, you are risking your life. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare, take precautions, and keep yourself safe.
Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
Wrap all lines at where lines feed through chocks with tape, rags and rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders, fender boards or tires to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings, or other boats.
Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
Consider adding back-up batteries and shut off all other devices that consume electricity.
Monitor weather broadcasts frequently.
You’ll need all the time you can get if you need to move your vessel, strip sails, derig and anchor.
Create and maintain an inventory of all items.
This includes personal belongings you leave on the boat and those you take off. Mark valuable items, so they are easy to find. Consider keeping a video or photographic record of the boat and its contents in a secure location.
Keep documents and insurance handy.
Consolidate all records in a safe place, including insurance policies, recent photos of the vessel, boat registration, equipment inventory, and lease agreement with the marina or storage facility.
Understand your responsibilities and liabilities.
Check your lease or rental agreement with the marina or storage facility to see what they cover and what you are responsible for.
Be cautious after a hurricane has passed.
Electrical wires could be downed but still “hot” because generators may still be operating. There could be stray electrical current from submerged outlets and/or shore cords in the water, damaged vessel systems, etc. Do not enter the water. Check for leaking natural gas and propane by smell only, not with matches or candles. Check dock lines and mooring pendants, and before you get underway, confirm that there are no submerged objects or debris in your path. Contact local authorities to make sure waterways are safe to navigate.
Maintain a list of key contacts
We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks