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Boat Security... ~ It is important to take the security of your boat seriously.
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Everything on your boat is at risk from thieves, who will help themselves to any marine equipment, which is not secured, accessories, personal possessions and even the boat itself. Protect your boat both at home and at your marina.
Boats are more at risk than homes, since a thief can just tow your boat away and stolen boats are very difficult to track down and retrieve.
Hints and Tips-Boat Security
- First review the risks, then install a suitable security system on your boat, displaying a notice saying that it is protected.
- Make sure that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong and able to be locked and always secured when no one is on board. Use strong padlocks or rim locks on all cockpit lockers.
- Never leave the keys in the ignition - keep them with you and separate the ignition keys from your boat security keys.
- Don't leave valuables on display, to tempt a passing thief. Close your curtains or blinds to prevent intruders looking in.
- Outboard motors and dinghies are valuable and attractive to thieves, keep them secured.
- Mark all your boat equipment with your home postcode and keep your list of serial numbers up to date.
- Get to know other boat-owners and keep an eye on their boats, as well as your own.
- Report any strangers acting suspiciously at the marina to the harbour or yardmaster.
There are a wide and growing choice of boat security systems available. Once the preserve of 'cowboys' from the home security market of the 80s, today, bona fide systems companies are increasingly involved.
Boat Marking System Tagging your boat is a good idea to defeat boat theft. Under the new boatmark scheme, HPI Ltd is working with the British Marine Federation to tag both new and second-hand boats. A unique 14-character Hull Identification Number (HIN), was introduced as a standard identity feature for all new boats in 1998 by means of a coded electronic tag, which is very difficult to remove or destroy.
The GPS Security System as successfully used in motor vehicles, offers a geographical tracking system so that you are always able to trace the location of your boat. Freetrack Marine’s HELIOS and WatchKeeper systems have this capability.
The Canvas Snap Alarm System is an easy to install complete boat alarm, that uses a marine sealed snap sensor on your boat canvas, as the primary detection device. As soon as anyone tries to unsnap your canvas the ear piercing 107dB siren sounds.
Pressure Mats are thin vinyl mats that activate an alarm when stepped on. Pressure mats come in various sizes and must be weatherproof. Pressure mats should be placed on connectors so that they can be removed to service the boat. WatchKeeper has a simple interface, which can be connected to a number of pressure mats, which are then monitored automatically.
Ignition Immobiliser boat security alarms like car alarms, can incorporate an immobiliser switch that will prevent your boat being taken away without your consent.
WatchKeeper is a Marine Security System that provides automatic warnings, via SMS Text and E-mail, that a protected area has been invaded. Digital photographs can be taken and images sent direct to your WAP enabled mobile phone, laptop and PC, while a spoken alert can be broadcast from your boat via a very loud on-board speaker system, that can be heard for up to 1 mile away - which guarantees your boat receives attention. Additionally, WatchKeeper has from 3 - 17 sensors, capable of monitoring your boat’s systems, and automatic SMS text and e-mail alerts for fire, water ingress and intruders. In addition a GPS locator/notification system can raise the alarm via telephone, e-mail, or cellular autodialer able to call up to 10 pr-programmed telephone numbers if your boat is moved. See www.watchkeepersecurity.co.uk for info.
For professional advice on your boat and crew’s security contact Yacht Secure Ltd, providers of worldwide security audits, advice, training and certification for all types of yachts, owners, skippers and crews.
For further information and advice about boat security, consult the crime prevention officer at your local police station, he will be pleased to help you.
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