Townsville Port Authority is reminding boat owners in Ross Creek and Ross River that they should now be taking precautions to ensure the safety of their moored vessels in the lead up to the cyclone season.

November to April is cyclone season in north Queensland and during this time, moored boats may be subject to strong winds and currents.

Mr. Barry Holden, Townsville Port Authority Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is very important to make sure your boat is prepared to prevent damage to your vessel and others. In particular, attention should be paid to the condition of mooring lines that can be damaged and weakened by chemicals and UV rays from the sun.

“We are encouraging owners of vessels in Ross Creek and Ross River to check their vessels now instead of trying to do something at the last minute. In the past, during a cyclone, vessels have broken their moorings and either washed away, sunk, or damaged other vessels,” he said.

Precautions should include the following:

1. position the vessel, bow facing upstream;
2. check the condition of mooring lines and anchor wraps;
3. check ropes subject to stress;
4. double up on mooring lines if necessary;
5. ensure bilge pumps are operational and self-draining openings are clear;
6. inspect boat cleats and mooring fittings and store all loose gear below deck (boat hooks, buckets, fishing gear, floats, life rings, etc);
7. deflate and store inflatable dinghies to minimise losses;
8. let out additional chain on vessels at anchor as higher than normal tides could be experienced along with a storm surge;
9. reduce wind loading to a minimum;
10. remove all furled sails and covers;
11. disconnect shore power leads and water hoses; and,
12. advise the appropriate authority of contact details if your boat is to be left unattended.

A brochure recommending precautions that should be taken is available for download in pdf format: TPA-Cyclone_Brochure_(small_boat_owners_2005).pdf