The United States Coast Guard’s statistics suggest that 75 million Americans ride in boats every year and that 20 million recreational boats exist. If you go boating for pleasure and own your vessel, you’ve probably invested lots of money and time into boating. Perhaps you dock your boat on your property, or maybe you store it at a nearby lake. If you’re like many pleasure boaters, though, you rely on a commercial marina to keep your boat safe. Ask yourself the following questions to see if you should encourage your marina’s owner to invest in surveillance security.
Does Your Marina Have Insurance?
If your marina has OC marina insurance, you’re likely to receive some assistance from the owner or insurance company if your boat is stolen or damaged while in the marina. Also, many insurance companies require their clients to have surveillance systems or pay higher premiums. Learning more about your marina’s insurance company allows you to assess your risk if your boat isn’t under surveillance.
Is Your Area Prone to Boat-Related Crimes?
Usually, there are many marinas in the same area. Use your police station’s crime statistics to determine how high your risk for theft or vandalism is. If it’s extremely high, reach out to your marina to see if installing a surveillance system is an option.
Does Your Marina Have Good Security Systems?
If your marina doesn’t have cameras, does it have other security systems in place? These include sturdy fences, extensive lighting systems, and signs designating the marina as private property. Your marina’s OC marina insurance may also require the entrance to be monitored by an employee to ensure that no unauthorized people gain access to your boat.
Is Your Marina Equipped to Handle Fires?
Many people forget that marinas are common places for fires. If a boat’s gasoline leaks because of a fueling error or accident, that fuel may cover the entire surface of your marina’s water. Another boat’s engine or a lightning strike can ignite this spill, resulting in serious damage. If your marina has surveillance, it’s easier for security personnel to identify and respond to a fire before it consumes all the boats and buildings.
Do You Follow Common-Sense Safety Guidelines?
If you follow common-sense security tips to protect your boat, you can keep your boat safe even if your marina doesn’t have surveillance. Always lock and secure your car and boat when you’re not in them, and keep in mind that even your fellow patrons could be boat thieves. Don’t let strangers into the marina, and store your boat in its designated spot. Following these regulations ensures that you stay within your OC marina insurance terms and further reduce your risk of theft.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
