The warmest months of the year marked the arrival of hurricane season. Marine operators need to create emergency preparedness plans to mitigate their risk of damage, liability, and loss. There are some important things that owners and managers should do to make sure that they are ready for hurricane season.

Write a Written Plan

Drafting specific policies creates clear guidance for marina staff and patrons about major weather events. Municipal emergency preparedness plans may include helpful resources and guidance. 

A plan should identify a hurricane emergency coordinator who people can contact with questions. The coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with policies pertaining to access to the facilities and appropriate measures to secure vessels.

Practice Good Communication With Renters

At the start of hurricane season for marinas, it is advisable to get in touch with lessees about their responsibility to secure their vessels in advance of a forecasted tropical storm or hurricane. Written notices should remind slip renters that the marina’s staff will take steps to prepare lifts or vessels at their owners’ expense if they are not able to do so themselves.

Ultimately, inclement weather can present many challenges for coastal marinas. Thorough advance preparation can equip them to weather storms as safely as possible.