Preparing a boat for Cyclone/Hurricanes/Typhoons

by Sail-World/Jonathan Crowe on 19 Mar 2006 As North Queensland's sailing community prepares for Tropical Cyclone Larry today, if you are anywhere between Cape Flattery and Mackay and have a boat, you will be want to ‘cyclone proof’ it as much as possible. Larry has been upgraded from a category three to category four and may reach five before it hits the Queensland coastline.

At Abel Point Marina, at Airlie Beach south of the expected track, Marina Manager Jonathan Crowe offers the following advice to boat owners:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SECURING VESSELS: - much of this information relates to marinas, but other pieces of advice are general in nature.

1. Mooring lines should be doubled with secondary lines to alternative cleats. Do not run the secondary lines to the same cleats, as cleat failure will release the vessel from safe mooring. The secondary lines should be secured slightly slack to ensure that they are only required to work if the primary line fails. Do not secure lines to piles, as they may jam the rollers. Ensure lines are of an adequate size to secure the vessel.

2. In extreme conditions vessels have a tendency to ride up onto the pontoons of a marina. Please ensure that the vessel is positioned in a manner that if the primary lines fail, that there is not enough slack on the secondary lines to allow the vessel to move on to the main or adjacent finger.

3. Check line strength. Ropes and other synthetic fibres such as polyethylene. Polypropylene and polyester are all susceptible to U.V. damage from sunlight. All will deteriorate in some way over 1 ?3 years and cannot usually be noticed until the rope is placed under stress. The deterioration occurs very rapidly after U.V. damage commences.

4. Do not use chain to secure the vessel. Chain has no ability to stretch and will damage your vessel or the marina. Anchors may be lowered but ensure that there is enough slack out to compensate for the rise and fall of the swells and tide. Do not anchor over or onto walkways or piles.

5. Check boat cleats for integrity, generally ropes are stronger than these. If there is any uncertainty, secure a line to one of the main structural members. Eg Mast.

6. Reduce wind loading to a minimum. Remove clears and all deck equipment i.e. lifebuoys, covers etc and store below. Remove all furled sails. If this cannot be done, double wrap them to prevent wind from opening them up.

7. Stow away all loose gear (buckets, fishing gear etc) below. Deflate and stow inflatable dinghies. If left dinghies are left on the deck they should be cleaned out, bungs removed and securely lashed down, preferably overturned.

8. Ensure that all scuppers are clear and will stay clear.

9. Shore power and water leads and gas bottles are to be disconnected.

10. Position adequate spare fenders and lines.

11. Confirm that all bilge pumps are working

12. Radio Communication should be checked on VHF channels 16 then 9.


IMPORTANT
YOUR SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AT ALL TIMES.
IN THE EVENT OF A CYCLONE, FLYING DEBRIS CAN BE LETHAL. PERSONS WHOM ARE LIVING ABOARD VESSELS SHOULD TAKE PARTICULAR NOTE

Once you have secured your boat, and a cyclone is threatening, listen to the Cyclone Warning Stages, be aware of the significance of the stages, and act according to the instructions of the Marina where you are berthed:

Stage 1. A TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCH MESSAGE IS ANNOUNCED.

A TROPICAL CYLCONE IS APPROACHING THE AREA AND IS NOT FORECAST TO ARRIVE IN THE VICINTY FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS.

Monitor the cyclone from weather forecasts
Cyclone tracking charts and weather forecasts will be available from the marina office, showing the position and progress of the cyclone.

Stage 2. A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING IS GIVEN

THE TROPICAL CYCLONE IS PREDICTED TO THREATEN THE LOCATION WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Wherever possible, Owners or a nominated contact person will be advised to attend the vessel/s and ensure that they are secured.


Stage 3. A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS ON A DIRECT COURSE.

The latest advice can be obtained from the telephone warning service on 1300 659 212.

Marina patrons and guests are required to follow any official advice given by any Emergency Services Personnel.

If instructed to evacuate by Emergency Services Personnel, ensure utilities are turned off, i.e. water, power and gas.

Wear strong clothing to protect against cuts from debris. Wear strong footwear (not thongs) for protection.

Be ready to move to higher ground or shelter facilities as directed by Police and Emergency Services Personnel. High winds and flooded roads may be hazards during movement. Advice will be given though local TV, radio and other media. Police and State Emergency Services will also give verbal warnings.

When the cyclone hits, keep calm and stay indoors.

Stay away from windows.

Protect yourself with mattresses, pillows and blankets.

Stay indoors until officially advised that the cyclone has passed. Beware of the eye of the cyclone. After the cyclone, listen to the radio. Don’t stay in the open and don’t go sightseeing.


Further information and details can be found from the following services and bureaus.

www.bom.gov.au!Bureau_of_Meteorology!same

Automated Telephone Messages: Cyclone Advices (Watch/Warning):

QLD: 1300 659 212 NT: 1300 659 211 WA: 1300 659 210
Weather by Fax: Directory pages (poll fax):

QLD: 1800 061 434 NT: 1800 061 438 WA: 1800 061 436
www.emergency.qld.gov.au!Information_from_Emergency_Services!same

SES (Queensland)
Phone: 07 3247 8454 (see local phone directory for regional offices)
www.nt.gov.au/pfes!NTES(Northern_Territory)!same

Phone:0889223630

www.ses.wa.gov.au!SES(Western_Australia)!same
Phone: 08 9277 0555 (see local phone directory for regional offices)

www.ema.gov.au!Emergency_Management_Australia