Smith Point Marina
Hurricane & Severe Weather Preparedness:

Gale-force winds begin at 39 mph and continue up a scale to hurricane-force winds which are often in excess of 150 mph.  Storms within these magnitudes often develop over several days, but can occur with little or no warning.

   Because the arrival of a storm may leave too little time to adequately prepare and conditions can quickly deteriorate to a point that work can no longer be safely undertaken, all vessels should be secured in their slips with adequate lines to handle any storm which may occur during an owner’s absence.  Vessels stored on land should be left in a condition where no work is required to prepare for a storm.

   In addition to adequate stern, bow, and spring lines (in both directions, on both sides), additional lines should be available in unlocked cockpit lockers to allow marina personnel to secure biminis and sail covers.  Anchors and appropriate chain & rope rodes  should be stored so they can be easily accessed and used by marina personnel.  No loose gear should be in the cockpit or on the deck.  Dinghies must not be stored on the deck or cabin roof unless they are properly secured and do not inhibit safe and easy access to all areas of the boat.  Marina personnel will not board a boat during storm preparation if marina management considers movement on the vessel to be dangerous.
   Because the best storm preparation that can be accomplished in the time available preceding a storm may prove, in retrospect, to have been inadequate and a vessel may cause damage to itself, other vessels, or marina structures, all owners are required to carry comprehensive yacht insurance including liability coverage.  Smith Point Marina must be named as “an additional named insured” on the policy.
   Smith Point Marina will maintain a “Storm Hauling List”.  Names may be added to this list on a permanent basis at any time. If a named storm is forecast to come within three hundred miles of the marina, the following procedure will be in effect:

·        All marina personnel will turn to hauling and blocking vessels occupying marina slips.  Vessels will be hauled in the sequence in which they are listed on the “Storm Hauling List”.

·        If an engine will not start (flat battery, etc.) in five minutes, the boat will be skipped.  After all boats on the list have been hauled, An attempt may be made to remedy the problem and if the problem is solved, the boat may be hauled .

· ·        No boats will be towed from the slip to the Hauling slip.

 Vessels not on that list or not hauled due to insufficient time, are not required to vacate the marina prior to the actual arrival of the storm.
However,
THE OWNER takes FULL RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY for any damage done by or to his/her boat or the Marina during the storm.
 

ACTIVITIES & TASKS TO BE PERFORMED IN PREPARATION FOR A HURRICANE OR SEVERE STORM

PHASE 3 (ALERT) 72-48 HOURS PRIOR TO STORM’S ETA

Telephone answering machine message will be changed so callers will know what phase the marina is operating in.  The telephone will not be answered, but calls may be returned if time allows.  Owners may leave a message requesting their vessel be added to the “Storm Hauling List”.

Regularly scheduled marina and yard work will be stopped.

Vessels will be hauled and blocked in the sequence in which they appear on “Storm Hauling List”.

Fuel pump breakers will be turned off.

Shut-off valves located between fuel tanks and fuel pumps will be closed.

PHASE 2 (WATCH) 48-24 HOURS PRIOR TO STORM’S ETA

Telephone answering machine message will be changed so callers will know what phase the marina is operating in.  The telephone will not be answered and calls will not be returned.  Owners may leave a message requesting their vessel be added to the “Storm Hauling List”.

Vessels will be hauled and blocked in the sequence in which they appear on “Storm Hauling List”.

Electricity to the docks and the yard will be turned off.

If jackstands are available, additional stands will be placed under vessels stored in the yard.  This will be done starting with fin keeled vessels and working sequentially toward the more stable vessels.

Vessels being hauled and on the hi/dry will be assessed a Hurricaine Preparation Charge for addition work accomplished.

PHASE 3 (WARNING) 24 - 0 HOURS PRIOR TO STORM’S ETA

Telephone answering machine message will be changed so callers will know what phase the marina is operating in.  The telephone will not be answered and calls will not be returned.

Vessels will be hauled and blocked in the sequence in which they appear on “Storm Hauling List”.  All vessel hauling will cease at least 18 hours prior to the storm's ETA.

 If local emergency management advises evacuation, employees will be released.

Telephone answering machine message will be changed so callers will know what phase the marina is operating in.  The telephone will not be answered and calls will not be returned.
 
If local emergency management advises evacuation, all personnel will leave the marina.

No one will attempt to move or re-secure a loose vessel or equipment.

 AFTER THE STORM

The entire facility will be treated as a disaster area with access limited to marina management and personnel until an assessment of damage can be made.

Cleanup will begin.