Whilst this advice dates from 2008, it still stands today, not only for St. Vincent but for all the Caribbean islands.

Published 9 years ago, updated 4 years ago

Advice to Yacht Owners and Operators

Waterway Watch

· Do not encourage Strangers on your yacht.

· When in a foreign port seek the advice of officials (customs, immigration, and police) as to ship chandlers and water taxi, operators.

· Have them recommend or verify persons you intend to do business with such as water taxi operators etc.

· Do not expose expensive items such as cameras etc.

· Secure small boats and outboard engines onboard overnight.

· Remove access ladders when not in immediate use.

· Keep all doors, hatches and portholes secured.

· Keep a security watch while underway or if at anchor in a lonely and secluded area.

· Introduce yourself to other yacht owners when at anchor – this will assist them in identifying strangers should they board your vessel.

· If you are leaving your boat let other yacht owners in your vicinity know.

· Install audible access alarms.

· Keep deck lights on in the night.

· Do not anchor in dark, lonely and secluded areas.

· Report your arrival to Customs when in a country’s territorial waters.

· Know the local Coastguard contact telephone number.

· Know the local Police contact telephone number.

· Use only certified water taxi operators, avoid freelancers.

· Do not keep large sums of cash on board.

BE PART OF WATERWAY WATCH

What to do –

Observe and report:

You know what is normal and what’s not. NEVER approach someone who may present a risk to you personally

• Provide details and descriptions of Individuals; Vessel or vessels; Activity
• Take notes

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• Anyone loitering near a boat or waterfront facility without apparent reason or purpose.
• Anyone trying to forcibly access a boat or waterfront facility.
• Any suspicious person trying to rent a boat but obviously unfamiliar with boating.
• Any person who appears to be “casing” a boat or waterfront facility.
• Anyone photographing or sketching or videotaping waterfront facilities without apparent purpose.
• Anyone who appears too eager to use boating “lingo”.
• Boaters who appear under the control of another party.
• Boaters or others on the waterfront who seem to make an obvious effort to avoid contact with others.
• Boats with unusual or obviously inappropriate modifications.
• Cargo loads that maybe explosives, chemical containers or weapons.
• Any boater dumping liquid or solid materials or any other unusual objects overboard.
• Any activity that to you appears out of the ordinary.

Call the Police / Coast Guard number when you observe suspicious activity

Tell others about Waterway Watch.

SEE SOMETHING? DO THIS

IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY –

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Otherwise

Take notes – who, what, where, when

Take photographs if you can do so safely

Report what you have seen to

Police emergency 911 / 999

Coast Guard Operations: Tel: 457 4578 / 457 4554

Fax: 457 4586

Email: [email protected]

Produced by St Vincent & Grenadines Coast Guard Service