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FWC says boat owners are required to secure their vessels during storms August 20, 2008 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boat owners to properly secure their boats in advance of sustained strong winds from Tropical Storm Fay, which continues to hover over and skirt the state. Vessels that break free can cause problems to waterways with pollution from spilled fuel and oil, and boats can drift into bridges, docks, seawalls and piers, causing interference to navigation and damaging the boats themselves. “Now is the time to secure your vessel to make sure it doesn’t break free and cause damage to property or result in people getting injured,” FWC’s law enforcement director, Col. Julie Jones, said. “Boat owners are responsible for their boats, so there is no walking away and forgetting about it.” According to Florida law, marinas can’t force
boat owners to remove their vessels following a hurricane watch
or warning. Florida also has laws related to abandoned vessels.
The state is often overwhelmed with lost, abandoned and damaged
vessels following significant weather events. The FWC will assist local and federal partners to assess waterways to ensure they are clear of dangerous obstacles and that waterway markers are intact and boat ramps are clear. The agency will work with United States Coast Guard to advise mariners about problem areas for navigation and will establish emergency closures of specific waterways if needed. If boat owners trailer their boats, the FWC recommends they secure their vessels in a safe location, let some air out of the trailer tires, block the wheels, and, if possible, anchor the boat down and/or add weight to help keep the boat in place. The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies are often tasked with helping people who intentionally put themselves at risk, such as personal watercraft operators who view the high waves created by a storm as an opportunity to jump waves. In light of a recent serious injury because of kite-boarding in Fay’s winds, Jones urged thrill-seekers to avoid the waters and high winds created from the storm. “Going to the hospital is not a thrill. And please keep in mind, when people choose to act irresponsibly, they jeopardize others,” Jones said. “They are causing law enforcement officers, rescue workers and other emergency personnel to risk their lives.” Information on how to moor vessels properly, report debris, as well as other helpful information, is available at MyFWC.com/boating/. Report damaged markers to 1-866-405-BUOY. |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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