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Prior to Hurricane Season

1. Make sure your vessel is in sound condition. This includes checking the hull, deck hardware, rigging, ground tackle, machinery and electronics. Absentee owners should arrange for a boatyard haul out or a supervised inspection of the vessel prior to, and in preparation for, the hurricane season. Preparations should include making sure the batteries are charged, bilge pumps are operable and all equipment is secured.
   
   
2. Enhance the watertight integrity of your boat, both above and below the water line. Seal windows, doors and hatches with duct tape if necessary. Shut sea cocks and cap off or plug un-valved through-hull fittings such as sink drains.
   
   
3. Inspect the vessel’s deck hardware in light of planned mooring arrangements. Assess the size and structural attachment of the primary chocks, cleats, bitts, bollards and winches. These high load/high stress points should have substantial backing plates and be secured with bolts of adequate size.
   
   
4. Special attention should be given to avoiding chafing of mooring lines. A double neoprene hose arrangement has proven successful for chafing prevention.
   
   
5. Storm moorings, whether at dock or otherwise, should have doubled lines. The second set of lines should be a size larger than the normal lines, including spring lines at a dock.
   
   
6. Purchase necessary materials ahead of time such as additional lengths of mooring lines, screw anchors, fenders, fender boards, chafing gear and anchors. These items may not be readily available during the hurricane season or just prior to a hurricane.

During the Hurricane

1. Do not stay aboard any vessel during a hurricane. If you have taken all the preliminary precautions previously outlined, you have done all that can be done in anticipation of the storm.
   
   
2. Stay in a protected and safe place. Attend to the safety of family, home and other personal property.
   
   
3. Stay tuned to news broadcasts and weather advisories for hurricane details, so you will know when the danger has passed.

After the Hurricane

1. After the hurricane has passed, there may be extensive damage in the area. While checking the condition of your vessel is an important concern, there may be limitations such as flooded roads and downed power lines. A check of the vessel should be made as soon as it is practical to determine its condition and security.
   
   
2. Other vessels may be upriver behind your vessel mooring location. This may require you to modify your mooring if you are in the center of a canal or stream so that other vessels may navigate past you. If you don’t, others may cut your mooring lines and let your vessel drift, causing more damage than the hurricane.
   
   
3. A check of vessel security is important if damage has occurred. One security aspect that must be considered is the prevention of looters or others who feel that a damaged vessel is “abandoned” and thus theirs to take.
   
   
4. If there has been any theft, vandalism or non-storm related damage to the vessel, a report should be made to local police or other law enforcement authorities so that appropriate actions can be taken. The incident report number and if possible, a copy of the incident report should be obtained to substantiate any insurance claim or IRS property loss reporting.
   
   
5. If damages are incurred to the vessel, immediate action should be taken to save the vessel and/or equipment and prevent further loss or damage. This action is a requirement of all insurance policies. A vessel owner is expected to take those actions that a “prudent uninsured person” would take to save and preserve his property.
   
   
6. If the vessel appears to be unrepairable (constructive total loss), arrangements will still have to be made to remove the hull from any navigable waterway, as governmental authorities will probably require this. The vessel should be moved to a yard or salvage facility storage area.
   
   
7. If salvage removal of your vessel is required (emergency or otherwise), and you are unable to receive advice from your insurance company, agent, marina or yacht club, screen any potential salvage contractor for competence and cost. Read the contract; know where your vessel is going and the level of security provided at that location.
   
   
8. Where vessel damages are repairable, immediate arrangements should be made with a reputable repair yard to have the vessel moved there, if necessary, for repairs. Make a list of repair facilities you would like to work with. Obtain estimates before proceeding with repairs. Those who act quickly will be back in the water first.