Free Online Guide to Hurricane Preparation Available to Boating Community

With the hurricane season already upon us, climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say there is a 90 percent chance for a near or above normal 2008 Atlantic Hurricane season, resulting in the need for boaters in hurricane-prone regions to have preparation plans in place. NOAA scientists predict between 12 to 16 named storms this year, with 6 to 9 becoming hurricanes, of which 2 to 5 could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.¹

Given the prediction of above normal hurricane activity, boat owners and the marine community should take proactive measures to minimize the potential for injuries and reduce damage to boats. ACE Recreational Marine Insurance has released its top ten list of important tips to help recreational boaters protect their vessels as well as other property on board during the hurricane season. “The key factors to protecting your boat from hurricanes or any severe weather are planning, preparation and timely action,” said Damon R. Hostetter, Senior Vice President, ACE Recreational Marine Insurance. “The following precautionary suggestions are guidelines to be used by the marine community to help prevent injury or possibly reduce property damage.”

ACE Recreational Marine’s Top Ten Hurricane Safety Tips for Boaters

1. Develop a detailed plan of action to secure your vessel in the marina (if permitted). Alternatively, you may remove your boat from the threatened area or take your boat to a previously identified storm refuge. Specifically identify and assemble needed equipment and supplies. Keep them together and practice your plan to ensure it works before the hurricane season. Arrange for a qualified and capable friend or a licensed professional captain to carry out your plans if you are out of town during the hurricane season.
2. Check your lease or storage rental agreement with the marina or storage facility. Know your responsibilities and liabilities as well as those of the marina.
3. Owners of non-trailerable boats in wet storage have options that include the following: 1) Secure the boat in the marina berth; 2) Moor the boat in a previously identified safe area; or 3) Haul the boat.