Hurricane season has just started, but as many people know, giant storms can decide to take aim at any time throughout the year. While the potential impact and landfall of these storms is unknown, boaters should still be prepared and know what steps need to be taken well in advance.

With this in mind, the Sea Tow Foundation offers boaters the following tips f on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

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1. Ensure Your Boat Is Insured

A boat that is damaged by a hurricane can wind up costing far more to fix than a marine insurance policy costs annually. Review your boat policy’s requirements and be sure to comply with them. Boat owners whose insurance requires them to relocate their vessels out of a hurricane zone should do so by the date specified in their policy. Call your insurance company and get details of what is covered and what isn't.

2. Have A Plan

Most insurance providers require a formal written Storm Plan detailing where and how your boat must be secured during a major storm, like a hurricane. Designate a responsible person to execute the plan if you are out of town when a hurricane threatens. And, also have a plan for the people and pets in your life as well.

3. Secure Your Boat or move your boat

Check with your marina, storage facility or the owner of the private dock where your boat is moored to be sure the vessel can remain there during a hurricane, if that is your plan. If it can stay, know the procedure for securing not only your boat, but those boats docked around it. A boat that breaks loose in a hurricane can wind up damaging piers, pilings, bridges, buoys, and other boats. 

If you have to move your boat from its current location in the event of a hurricane, decide where you are going to have it hauled before a hurricane is forecast. And make arrangements with that location so that they know your boat will be stored there. You can check with your local Sea Tow operator to see what pre-storm haul-out services are offered in your area.

4. Boat Photoshoot Time 

 Make a video inventory of all valuable fixed items, such as marine electronics, that you cannot remove from your boat. Store all the boat’s documents, including your marine insurance policy and boat registration information, in a secure place that is off the vessel. This way, if you need to make an insurance claim, everything is shown in the condition it was in before the hurricane and you have the paperwork you need to prove it is owned and insured.

5. Keep An Eye To The Sky

Closely monitor local and national weather services throughout the summer and early fall months. This includes listening to NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov..