smsc.ca

pdf version

Purpose

This SMSC Policy defines approved procedures for preparing for ‘named storms’ or other severe wind or seas events.  This primary goal of the Named Storm Plan is the protection of SMSC facilities and members’ property from storm damage.

Policy Basis

Requirements of SMSC Mooring and marina Rental Agreements and motions of the SMSC Board of Directors, recorded in minutes of meeting of 20 April 2011.

Operational Authority

The Vice Commodore (Waterfront and Grounds) is responsible for the execution of the procedures described herein.

Named Storm Plan Form

1.       Renters of SMSC Moorings and Marina Slips are required to complete and file the information in the following table, which constitutes the ‘Named Storm Plan Form’.  The Named Storm Plan Form should be completed on-line at <link>.  Alternate emergency contacts should have access to the member’s boat and the authority to act on behalf of the member should the Named Storm plan be invoked.

2.       Information collected through the Named Storm Plan Form will only be used for the purposes of the named Storm Plan and will be protected from release to third parties.

Invoking the SMSC Named Storm Plan

3.       The SMSC Named Storm Plan will be invoked by sending an email to all members advising them of the need to do so.  Thus, it is important that renters ensure that their email addresses on file with SMSC are current.

4.       As a minimum, the message invoking the Named Storm Plan shall include the following information:

a.        The nature of the named storm or forecast severe wind or sea conditions which warrant invoking the SMSC Named Storm Plan

b.       The actions expected of renters

c.        The expected schedule

d.       Contact information for the individual managing the SMSC Named Storm Plan activities

Actions by Renters on SMSC Marina Slips

5.       Under certain storm warning conditions, and at the discretion of SMSC, notices may be given to have specified boats, or all boats removed from SMSC marina slips

a.        Those boats that can be removed from the water by trailer should be hauled by the renter and taken to a secure site off SMSC premises

b.       Those boats that have alternative storm moorings should be moved to those moorings by the renter.

6.       Renters may choose to rent a mooring from SMSC in addition to their marina slip, may request to be on an SMSC mooring waiting list, or are better advised to secure temporary dock or mooring space at a sheltered harbor or cove.

7.       Failure of a renter to secure alternative storm mooring arrangements will not be grounds to rescind a notice to vacate an SMSC marina slip.

8.       Renters whose boats are allowed to remain on a marina slip after a Named Storm Plan has been invoked should take the following actions:

a.        Reduce windage by removing all canvas covers, dodgers, bimini tops, enclosures, etc.

b.       Remove furling jibs and store them below

c.        Remove mainsail from boom and stow it below

d.       Ensure that fendering is appropriate for heavier wind and wave action

e.       Ensure that dock lines are adequate for heavier wind and wave action and that appropriate anti-chafing measures are in place

f.         Close all seacocks, ports and hatches

Actions by Renters on SMSC Moorings

9.       Those boats that can be removed from the water by trailer should be hauled by the renter and taken to a secure site off SMSC premises

10.    Those boats that have alternative storm moorings should be moved to those moorings by the renter.

11.    Renters should take the following actions for those boats remaining on SMSC moorings after the Named Storm Plan has been invoked:

a.        Reduce windage by removing all canvas covers, dodgers, bimini tops, enclosures, etc.

b.       Remove furling jibs and store them below

c.        Remove mainsail from boom and stow it below

d.       Remove anchors that project forward of the bow in a manner that could lead to chafing of the mooring pennant in heavy seas

e.       Double check and secure chafing gear (chafe guards) in place where the mooring pennant(s) pass through chocks.  Secure additional chafe guards as needed at other potential chafe locations.

f.         If extra mooring pennants are added to the mooring, special care is required to ensure that they are not subject to chafe on the mooring, or entanglement with the primary pennants.

g.        Close all seacocks, ports and hatches.

Actions by Owners of Moorings in the SMSC Mooring Field

12.    It is recommended that owners of boats on privately-owned moorings within the SMSC mooring field take the same actions as described for renters on SMSC mooring in paragraphs 9, 10 and 11.

Actions by Owners of Tenders

13.    Tenders should be removed from the water, marina docks, or beach to higher, sheltered ground, and secured to avoid being blown away or damaged by strong winds.

14.    Alternatively, tenders may remain in the water if secured to the marina in a manner that shelters them from strong winds and seas.  If renters’ boats remain on the marina, then tenders shall not be left in locations that would have them to windward of the renters’ boats during forecast high winds.

Action by SMSC for Junior Sailing and Other SMSC Boats

15.    Junior sailing dinghies are to be secured ashore, to protect them from wind damage; where space allows they should be stored indoors.

16.    Junior sailing coach boats should be removed from the water in trailers; where space allows they should be stored indoors.  Alternatively, junior sailing coach boats may be secured to the marina in a manner that shelters them from strong winds and seas.

17.    Ordinarily, one SMSC motor boat may be left afloat as a work boat.

Action by SMSC in the Event of Emergency or Incident

18.    In the event that a boat should break free from a mooring, a marina slip, or suffer some other negative incident, the first responsibility of SMSC is to the protection of person and the protection of SMSC facilities.  SMSC will endeavour to contact the renter or the renter’s alternative emergency contact, but otherwise makes no commitment to the protection of the renter’s boat should it be the opinion of SMSC that such action might pose risk to personnel or SMSC facilities or property.

Policy approved by SMSC BOD 20 April, 2011