Let's talk about security

Let's talk about security © Noonsite

It is heart breaking to receive reports from cruisers who have been boarded while at anchor and burgled, whether it be during the night, while ashore or while down below.

Sometimes these incidents involve weapons and are violent. In most incidents neither the vessel, nor the stolen equipment were locked. Just this month in Sal, Cape Verdes, cruisers who went ashore (but left their big dog on board), returned to find their unlocked boat had been burgled. Fortunately, the robbers were caught. In Soufriere, St. Lucia, another serious boarding occurred just one month after a similar incident in the same bay, when an unlocked boat was boarded in the early hours of the morning by armed men and robbed.

Nowadays, cruisers should treat their yachts like they do their homes on land, their dinghies and outboards like their cars. Going out, or going to bed, and leaving your doors and windows wide open, your car out front unlocked, is just asking for trouble in all but the most isolated spots.

Secure your valuables that you have to leave on deck, and stow the rest below out of sight. Consider security measures so you sleep better at night (our security page has some helpful links), and know before you go.

Review the security section for each country you want to visit on Noonsite (opening page of each country) and if heading to the Caribbean, check out the detailed information on the Caribbean Safety and Security Net, another incredible free resource provided by volunteers.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com