Although a relatively rare occurrence, there have been incidences of boats being stolen.
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The theft of valuable fishing, diving and boating equipment has also become more frequent in recent years.
If you see any suspicious activity please report it to the police immediately and provide a full description, including serial numbers, of anything that has been stolen.
Basic Security Advice
Speak to a marine professional for more information, however, here are a couple of options:
Store expensive equipment indoors and you are advised to take extra precaution when securing your boat at night. More common is the theft of small engines, movable outboards and electronics.
The Royal Cayman Island Police Service has provided the following safety advice:
- Fuel your boat immediately prior to use, leaving a boat full of fuel unattended for long periods increases its vulnerability.
- Secure the boat to the dock using chains, cables and padlocks.
- Ensure that the keys and the kill switches are in your possession when the vessel is not in use – even if it is on the trailer.
- Make sure you have all hull, engine and electronics serial numbers stored for reference in case of a theft.
- Inscribe, don’t write, personal ID numbers on the engine block and inside the hull – in a place only known to you.
- Take photos of the vessel, engines and trailer, if you have one.
- Wherever the vessel is kept, make sure there is sufficient lighting.
- Don’t forget to lock the trailer tongue with a padlock lock, whether or not the vessel is on the trailer. Trailers have also been stolen before, especially empty ones.
Security Devices
There are also several devices on the marine market that can help protect your boat and act as a deterrent. Speak to a marine professional for more information, but here are a couple of options:
Marine Magellan: Includes wireless sensors which monitor intrusion, high water, shore power loss, low batteries and more. Should any of the wireless sensors be triggered, it will call the designated parties and relay a personalised pre-recorded voice message of the event. The system also allows the owner to call the boat to receive the system status, but also create events like switching on lights or battery charging circuits remotely. For much larger boats, such as tenders.
Sat-Trak GPS Tracking: Suitable for boats, wave runners and jet skis, Sat-Trak devices allow you to monitor the location of your asset online, track activity and recover from theft. Devices include real-time tracking and reports, map and satellite views, and location notifications by text, email or an email alert when the craft leaves the dock. Satellite tracking will aid the police in the recovery of your boat by tracking its last known location and direction of travel.
Spot Trace: Allows you to track your assets using satellite technology. Once motion is detected you will instantly receive a text or email and it will allow you to follow them on the map from your phone or computer. Popular for smaller boats.
Boat Locks: Installing a lock, mounted directly to the steering wheel of your boat will help discourage theft of your boat. One brand available is the Xena Lock which combines a lock with a built-in 125 decibel alarm.
Boat Security Companies
You can get security advice and products for your boat from the following companies: