Boaters Can Prep for Hurricane Season

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises boat owners to know the steps for securing boats from heavy winds and rough seas.

They are outlined in this handy marine guide that tells boaters what they need to do before and after a storm.

Vessels that break free can cause problems in waterways with leaking fuel and oil pollution. They can drift into bridges, docks, seawalls and piers.

Florida has laws that relate to abandoned vessels. The state is often overwhelmed with lost, abandoned and damaged vessels following significant weather events.

Here are steps that the FWC recommends:

• If boat owners trailer their boats, secure 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.
• Check out the Largo Patch Directory of area facilities that will stow, service and repair boats.
• Use this Hurricane Manual for Florida Boaters.
• Residents are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agencies or the FWC at 888-404-3922 to report vessels that have broken free.
• Tropical storms and hurricanes are unpredictable. All boaters are urged to keep up to date on the path of this storm and take the appropriate actions. To find out more about properly mooring vessels, reporting debris and for other useful information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating, click on “Safety & Education” and select “Hurricane.” Report damaged markers by calling 866-405-BUOY (866-405-2869).