How Safe is Your Yacht from Intruders?

Face it, your yacht was designed to keep out the elements and water, not people. A chain saw can get into your private quarters relatively fast. An intruder most likely won't need a saw. Security of a yacht is as different as the environment to which it gets moved.

What doesn't work on determined intruders?

1. Boat locks. A friend had a impressive locking system installed on his Yacht. The problem was, cut the moorings and the Yacht could be gently towed away. The thief can then break in at a location of their choosing.

2. Re: Security systems. An attorney once told me regarding Contract Law, "Anything man can make, man can break." I think it applies to boat security also.

Motion detectors are foiled, locks are broken, windows are even easier, hatches are pried open, keys are stolen, remember the saw?

What rarely works?

1. Resistance? Are you a 6'5" Marine who excelled in martial arts training? The intruder has a gun, who wins? The intruder is not there to fight, he is there for the money. Give it to him. That is what banks advise their tellers. Statistics show they will leave in a hurry. Money can be replaced, lives cannot.

2. Weapons? If you have serious pirates in your area, your 38 pistol or 12 gauge pump is very puny compared to 4 thugs armed with AK47 assault rifles and a few grenades. I this happens, you are likely to be in another country, not the USA.
Just having a gun on board may be enough to get locked into a foreign jail. Leave the guns home. Overall the risk isn't worth it.

What works?
1. A dog. (honest) If a potential intruder sees signs of a dog on board, most will pass on to an easier target. Intruders don't want to take unnecessary risk if there is an easier, dog less target.

2. Marina watch (similar to neighborhood watch) Yacht owners and many crews have informal marina watch over each others vessels. Often there is less than 20 feet separating one Yacht from another Yacht; it is each boats interest to know who is coming and going. Participants courteously inform each other as to who visited or boarded a yacht or even looked at it from a distance. Anything out of the norm is reported to Yacht owners, crews or security personnel quickly.

3. Sailing offshore, keep as much distance as possible from other vessels. If a boat is on the horizon and comes your way, immediately change course. If the other vessel changes course to intercept, you should be suspicious. Use the radio emergency contact frequency, and request, "What are your intentions?" Change course again. Report your position on radio and again ask their intent. If no reply, turn 180 degrees away and put distance on your side. By then you may gain attention of other listeners. Announce your concerns on the radio. If you choose to flee, and they follow, it is my opinion it's better going "to sea" rather than land. Call on the radio for assistance.

4. Standing "watch"
"At sea" cruising or "at anchor" in a cove, the yacht with a person "on watch" is a deterrent. Why? An intruder is robbed of the element of surprise. The intruder may decide to pick an easier target, one not as alert as your Yacht.

An article ten times this one, would not cover all situations. Remember, security of a yacht is as different as the environment to which it gets moved. Stay vigilant.

Learn more about this author, Hank Tredson.
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