Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Don't make yourself an

easy target. Always follow these simple steps.

 ·         Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about value later.

·         Don't leave anything loose in the cockpit or on deck.

·         Don't leave your engine key in the ignition - always take it with you.

·         Keep your boat keys separate from your engine keys.

·         Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even for a short time.

·         Use strong padlocks or rimlocks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.

·         Constantly check and improve the security on your boat. It's a good idea to fit an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one is fitted.

·         Make sure your cockpit lockers can be properly locked, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong.

·         Also think about having a strongbox down below. If you don't think something is secure, get it fixed.

·         Get Air Horns for alerting other boaters if an attack is ongoing.

·         Get Mace or Pepper Spray where legal.

·         Always be “Situationally Aware”. Watch other boaters, and those that may harm your friends and family either through unintentional or intentional actions.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore. You may want to think about getting cables for your tubes. Quick access and people can snag and expencive tube and be gone. A $15 cable can save a $200 tube.

Always:

 ·         Take your boat keys with you or lock them in a gun vault that is bolted down.

·         Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong padlock;

·         Lock up emergency money away from other valuables;

·         Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in;

·         Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards - and always lock them;

·         Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.

·         When you go ashore from a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, rowlocks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

·         If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn't been badly damaged.

·         And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven't been broken into as well.

·         Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work together to keep the marina secure. You can do the following.

·         Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.

·         Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yard master.

·         Don't give your marina access card or key to other people.

·         Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.

·         Don't let strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.

·         Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

·         Install cameras where possible

·         Keep a cell phone handy in a “Pelican Case”, and never jump in the water with your keys in your pocket or still attached to the boat.  

·         They have Pelican Cases that have hooks to mount in the engine area. These can be bolted in and locked. It slows down thieves that are looking to run through and opening the engine compartment would be noticeable.

·         Know your CCW Laws so you can carry where legal. Oklahoma for example allows for CCW permit holders to carry on boats.