Marine security
How to protect vessels moored in marinas, sailing clubs and on canals.
Our force area includes around 103 miles of coastline to the north, while the Kennet and Avon Canal arrives from the east before connecting to the River Avon and flowing into the Severn Estuary.
If you own a boat, always try to remember the basics:
- Never leave anything valuable on display for opportunist thieves, especially when you are visiting other ports or marinas and have to moor alongside other yachts.
- Do not leave your engine key in the ignition – always take it with you. Keep your boat keys separate from
your engine keys. - Always remove valuable objects from your boat when it is not being used, especially if locked up for the winter months.
Tips to secure your boat or marina
Security – use physical security measures
- Make sure your cockpit lockers are secured.
- Keep any unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight.
- Check that both your main hatch and fore-hatch are locked, ideally with a padlock.
- Do not to leave valuables on the boat
- Consider fitting a small safe to store small valuable items.
Trailer storage
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.
Use Secured by Design’s product search to find police-approved suppliers of these items.
Tracking – tracking systems and property marking
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.
Property marking
Use an 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.
Observe – keep an eye on your marina 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 a 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
Always be vigilant in and around the water. You can report strangers loitering at the marina to the harbour master or yard master.
Report anything suspicious to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Monitor at all times – alarms and CCTV
CCTV can be a deterrent and help protect your boat or yacht. It may also be a good idea to fit an alarm if your boat is based outside of a marina or 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 – for example, if the main hatch has been opened.
If you have Wifi at the pontoon, there are systems that 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.