Marine security
How to protect vessels moored in marinas, sailing clubs or on canals.
In the Avon and Somerset Police force area, we have more than 100 miles of coastline along the northern border where the Severn Estuary meets the Bristol Channel.
Boats come and go from marinas in Portishead and Watchet plus a harbour in Minehead. Sailing or yacht clubs are in Burnham-on-Sea, Clevedon, Minehead, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare. And barges use the Kennet and Avon Canal in areas around Bath.
At these locations, thieves find all kinds of things attractive. They will steal anything that takes their fancy – from radios, mobile phones or laptops, to fishing tackle, personal items and even the boat itself.
Tips to secure your boat or marina
Use physical security measures
Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured and keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight.
Check that both your main hatch and fore-hatch are locked, ideally with a Secured by Design (SBD)-approved padlock.
Think about having a small SBD-approved safe or security cabinet onboard to store small valuable items.
If your boat is stored on a trailer, take extra steps to secure it such as having a wheel clamp, hitch lock and ground anchor system.
Mark your property
Use a SBD-recognised forensic asset marking or etching kit to mark your outboard and electronic equipment. This is an established theft-reduction method and visibly deters thieves.
Keep a record of serial numbers on valuables such as:
- radio
- navigation equipment
- outboard motor
- chassis and model numbers for trailers
- any custom marks on the trailer or boat
Retain a copy of the list at home and on your boat. Take colour photos from several angles and take a video with a smartphone.
Use a tracking system
Consider using a tracking system on your boat or yacht and especially your outboard engine to increase the chances of recovery.
Once the vessel or outboard motor is stolen, they alert the tracking company who use GPS systems and other communication technologies to locate the stolen property in the UK and overseas.
Fit alarms and CCTV
CCTV can be a deterrent and help protect your boat or yacht, while it may be a good idea to fit an alarm if your boat is based outside of a marina and on the canals.
If you do not have mains power, consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to anything suspicious or if the main hatch has been opened.
If you have Wifi at the pontoon, there are systems which can be linked to your phone or tablet to alert you to any activation, allowing you to view your boat or yacht in real time.
Keep an eye on your marina, harbour or sailing club
Most marinas have round-the-clock CCTV, however, you should get to know other boat owners in your marina and work together to keep it secure.
Entrances to the pontoons are often secured by a key-coded system that is changed monthly to control access to the berthing areas. Never tell anyone else the access code to the pontoon.
Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own, and regularly check its surroundings. You could consider installing a surveillance system with sensors and cameras.
Report suspicious activity
Report any strangers at the marina to the harbour master or yard master.
Be vigilant at all times in and around the water and report anything suspicious by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.