Ocean Pines Marinas: Suggested severe weather action plan for vessel owners

The following is as notice from Ocean Pines Marinas:

Date: July 31, 2020

To: Ocean Pines Marina Slip holders

From: Ron Fisher, Dock master

Subject: Severe Weather Preparation

As you are probably aware at the present time Hurricane Isaias is projected to impact the East Coast of the United States possibly impacting our area on Monday and Tuesday. As a precaution I am attaching some recommendations for boat preparations.

I would recommend the following:

1. If possible use at least ½ inch dock lines. If we have sustained winds of 40 – 50 miles per hour there is considerable stress on the dock lines. If your lines are less than ½ inch you might want to add extra lines as a precaution.

2. If you are docked at the Swim and Racket Club be certain to adjust your dock lines to allow for tidal surge as these docks are fixed and do not move with the tide.

OCEAN PINES MARINA SUGGESTED SEVERE WEATHER ACTION PLAN FOR VESSEL OWNERS

NOTE: There is excellent information for Hurricane Boat preparation and checklist on the BOATUS web site at http://boatus.com/news/hurricane

Suggested Action Plan for Vessel Owners in the event of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane or any Severe Weather with winds Greater than 50 MPH.

A. Precautionary Measures (Should be initiated at the beginning of each Hurricane Season and on an ongoing basis)

1.) Have your vessel Hurricane Plan established. Know in advance where you are going to go, what you are going to do, and when you are going to do it. IF YOU REQUIRE A MARINA TO HAUL YOUR BOAT, DON’T WAIT, THEY MAY BE TOO BUSY TO HELP YOU.

2.) Involve a friend or family member(s) in your vessel Hurricane Plan so that they may assist you if you are out of town or unable to get to your vessel in the event of an approaching storm. Contact numbers for the owner and alternates as well as e-mail addresses must be kept current and provided to the Dock master.

3.) Make sure that your vessel’s operating systems are in good working order. Replace fuel filters, inspect batteries / charging system, and keep fuel tanks topped off. Inspect all bilge pumps and thru hull connections.

4.) Inspect all working and spare dock lines and ensure that all extra line is in good condition and in an accessible location. Have sufficient chafing gear for all working lines. (Neoprene hose works well). I you have a canopy place it in the down position.

5.) Devote some time to practice tying your vessel as you would for a Hurricane or severe storm. Make sure that your extra line is of sufficient quantity and strength. 6.) Vessel owners should monitor the OPA Web site at www.oceanpines.org and also their e-mails on a regular basis for updates and any potential Marina evacuation notices.

7.) OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC. Is not responsible for any damage to any vessel. Any vessel owner assumes all responsibility for damage to their vessel as well as any damage to any other vessel or to any Ocean Pines property.

Reviewed – July 31, 2020