Cruising Helmsman – June 2017

PUT A CAP ON CYCLONES

Hi Phil,

I just read the MySailing account of outcomes

resulting from Cyclone Debbie.

Surely all marinas in a cyclone affected area

would have a cyclone action plan (CAP)? Well,

maybe some don't! In such a plan, there would

(should?) be compulsory actions taken by a boat

owner/operator when the plan is put into effect.

Most Queensland marinas now require a

comprehensive insurance policy be in place for

any boat wishing to utlise the marina services.

It would then seem logical that all such vessels

would also need to comply with a CAP.

Such a plan should have a list of do and don't

actions. A start point could be:

• remove all sails from masts and booms


• remove all removable objects from decks: eg
  kayaks, dinghies on davits, f luid containers,
  boarding ladders etcetera


• secure all other moveable objects: eg. spinnaker
  poles, outdoor lounges/tables/chairs, dinghies
  not on davits etc.


• secure vessel with (minimum) dual lines to each section of
  vessel: bow, stern, midships to independant mooring cleats
  on the marina.
  And so on, a CAP could be developed work-shopping the
  excellent expertise available from companies experienced
  in cyclone areas: marina operators, insurance companies,
  charter yacht operators, yacht clubs etc.
  To see video of boats being poorly prepared for such an
  event, with adequate and timely notice given of the intensity
  and likely catastrophic outcomes, is simply ludicrous; when
  the most likely end result will be costs to others damaged in
  such an event, followed inevitably by increased premiums and
  loadings applied for those wishing to enjoy such magnificent
  areas such as the Whitsundays.
  Owners must be made accountable for their failure in
  responsibility to prepare for such an event. Secure the vessel
  before departing for an extended period, or make alternative
  arrangements for this to be undertaken, including notification

to the marina. If they chose to ignore those responsibilities

then the CAP should provide the authority for marina

operators to take appropriate actions that prevent those

vessels, and those around them from damage.

Owners that have this preparation done for them, whether

or not they agree, should be charged for the time and effort

expended by the marina operator. They know this charge

will be applied, because it is written into the agreement they

signed to enter the marina. Owners must be made responsible

and accountable for their actions, or lack thereof.

Of equal importance is state legislation that requires all

marinas in cyclone affected areas to have a CAP.

Warm regards,

HANS COOL

Ed replies: Hans I think these are excellent suggestions. Check

out the full story by Rosemary Jilderts beginning on page 14

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