Hurricane-season tips for boat owners
News Release
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Media contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is
preparing for Florida's hurricane season and encourages Florida
boaters to do the same. Hurricane season began June 1, and the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
predicts a stronger than usual hurricane season.
"In Florida, we are very concerned about the potential impacts
on our waterways following a natural disaster, both environmental
and related to navigation," said Phil Horning, FWC Derelict Vessel
Program Administrator. "Now is the time for vessel owners to get
prepared for the worst."
NOAA forecasters predict 12 to 18 named storms in the Atlantic
basin, including three to six major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or
higher). Since boat owners are responsible for their vessels before
and after a storm, they should secure their boats properly if a
storm is heading their way.
"Planning ahead and preparing for storms is the key to
minimizing damage, loss and legal liability," said Capt. Richard
Moore, of the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section.
Repairing vessel damage and securing a vessel properly can help
prevent further problems during a storm.
"Improperly secured vessels can be dangerous in severe weather,"
Horning said.
The FWC encourages boat owners to discuss their options with
local marinas and city- and county-operated mooring fields. Marine
equipment vendors can also provide suggestions on proper equipment
that can withstand wind and waves during a storm.
The FWC maintains a statewide derelict vessel database that is
used by FWC officers and other law enforcement partners to document
locations and information about derelict vessels throughout the
state.
"Part of our mission is to document the state's pre-hurricane
derelict vessel condition," Horning said. "That way, state, county
and local law enforcement agencies can be reimbursed by federal
funding for post-hurricane derelict vessel damage and cleanup
costs."
The FWC is also working to implement a post-disaster assessment
team that would go into areas hit by a storm to quickly document
storm-related vessel damage.
More hurricane
safety tips are available at MyFWC.com/Boating.
Persons with Disabilities