Preparing for a natural disaster can be overwhelming, with many critical details to address. By preparing in advance, you can significantly reduce the risks to both life and property. In addition to safeguarding family and property, Florida’s boat owners and operators must also consider their vessels. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has compiled various informational resources for boaters to assist them with storm preparation and recovery.
If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible. This includes kayaks and other recreational watercraft. If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig cross spring lines fore and aft, attaching lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge. For vessels at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope; remove canvas coverings if possible and secure any sails. Ensure that moorings are designed to withstand the load your vessel will place on them by inspecting chains and swivels connecting to the mooring buoy.
The FWC advises removing Electronic Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), life rings, lifejackets, and loose items from boats for storage in a safe indoor location. Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to locate nearby ramps.
To prevent chafing, wrap all lines where they feed through chocks with tape, rags, rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders or fender boards to protect boats from rubbing against piers or other boats. Charge batteries ensuring they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm; consider adding backup batteries while shutting off all other devices consuming electricity.
During hurricanes where winds may exceed 100 mph accompanied by tornadoes, staying onboard poses significant risk to lives including potential responders’. Learn about mandatory marina evacuations under Chapter 327.59 of Florida Statutes (F.S.).
Frequent monitoring of weather broadcasts is crucial along with complying with evacuation orders when issued via sources like the National Hurricane Center or FloridaDisaster.org.
Post-storm protocols include reporting issues such as missing/damaged waterway markers or storm-damaged boats potentially lost/abandoned preferably through local law enforcement agencies or contacting FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922. For distress/emergencies call 911 or use VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 rather than social media due its limited monitoring capabilities during large-scale events.
For further information on storm preparation resources visit MyFWC.com/boating under “Boater Education” then “Hurricane.”