Even in usually safe marinas, security scares remain a possibility.
There’s no hiding a superyacht. Particularly when they’re on the dock and not safely anchored offshore, these boats consistently become lightning rods for vitriol, acts of protest and vandalism, news headlines, debate, awe and wonder. As crew it’s just part of the job of maintaining our employer’s (often largest) asset. However, with the spotlight on the yachting industry burning brighter than ever, security is a bigger concern than it has ever been.
While security forms a large part of our responsibilities and covers a lot of ground, let’s focus on what we can do as crew day‑to‑day, which really just means securing the vessel and preventing entry in the first place. Having recently had a security scare on board my vessel at a regular, safe marina, I’m reminded it’s always a possibility. While everyone is fine and it was a relatively minor incident, there are some takeaways.
If someone’s on board who shouldn’t be, options start to get a bit more limited. It helps to be proactive rather than reactive. (See tips below.)
If someone does manage to come aboard, it is very rarely a genuinely planned malicious occurrence. More often than not, it’s just the overly curious or a drunken dare. If a boarding does fall into the malicious category, remember you always have options. Call emergency services — no need to say a word, just keep the line open. Many yachts now have a silent‑alarm button that pings the management company without tipping off anyone on board.
And if you do need every crew member up immediately, pull the fire alarm; it’s the fastest way to wake the boat and signal an emergency.
Lastly, screen all contractors, sign them on to the vessel and ensure they are verifiable for the duration of the work they’re there to perform. Yard periods in particular can mean a lot of coming and going. Ensure all crew valuables are kept out of sight and that contractors and temporary workers are only in the areas where their work is.
If done right, ideally, you’ll never have to deal with a security breach.
Top Tips for Marina Security
- Post the marina security number in the crew mess and ensure the watchkeeper can call it at a moment’s notice. Call to touch base now and then.
- Post signage: Physical barriers with “No Boarding” and “Private Access” signs leave no room for doubt that a vessel is private property.
- Become familiar with the area: When at a new and unfamiliar dock, take a walk around to locate the gates and understand likely areas of access.
- Keep lights on: Turn the deck lights and the side‑boarding‑ladder lights on so as to illuminate the dock and the approach to the vessel. This is both to deter and to see anyone attempting to gain entry.
- Use cameras: Every boat has them these days, usually recording to a certain time limit. Move their field of view to areas of access and set up close‑ups on the main‑deck boarding area to see faces, as well as wide views from the sundeck to see the vessel’s surroundings.
- Keep items out of sight: Store anything valuable or transportable on deck to ensure there’s no temptation for theft.
- Lock all doors: Personal swipe cards and PIN pads that regularly change codes are best, as well as an old-fashioned lock and key.
- Maintain a visible presence: With guests on or at unfamiliar docks, it’s best to still have a night watch on, to keep a roaming presence and show that there’s security as a deterrent.