Coast Guard officials have asked all boaters to remove snow and ice from moored vessels, to avoid severe damage, sinking and pollution, and to take safety precautions throughout Alaska’s long winter.
These include wearing appropriate personal protective gear while on the water during winter months, including dry suits and other insulated life jackets, to improve chances of survival in emergencies.
Routine vessel checks and verifying contact information with harbor or marina personnel are important, as well as notifying one’s local harbor master if unable to monitor the condition of a vessel.
Common causes of harbor sinkings are frozen and then cracked hulls, and failed fittings said Michael Folkerts, coasting safety specialist with the 17th Coast Guard District in Juneau. Winter weather conditions can be rough on boats and even rougher on boaters who end up in the water, he said.
