We are into February and before you know it, it will be time for the boating enthusiasts to take their boats out of dry dock and get them ready for another big boating season. Now is the time of the year the boat owner should review the steps necessary to protect his boat from thieves and make this a crime free year.

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Many boat owners take a lackadaisical approach when it comes to their property. Do not make yourself and your boat an easy target. You can make your boat less of a target if you follow these simple steps:

.Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about the value later.

.Don't leave equipment or other items loose in the cockpit or on deck.

.Don't leave your engine key in the ignition; always take it with you.

.Keep your other boat keys separate from your engine keys.

.Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even if it is for a short time.

.Use strong casehardened padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.

.Consistently check and think of ways to improve the security on your boat. Do not take security for granted.

.It is a good idea to install an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one your boat has an alarm system.

.Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong, making it harder for thieves to get access to the interior.

.Also, think about having a strongbox or a hidden safe down below. If you don't think something is secure, get it fixed.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

.Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong casehardened padlock.

.Lock up any emergency money away from other valuables. A hidden safe can be handy here.

.Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in.

.Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards and always lock them.

.Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.

.When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

.If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn't been badly damaged.

.And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven't been broken into as well.

Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work as a team to keep the marina secure. As a team or marina watch you can do the following:

.Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.

.Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yardmaster.

.Don't give your marina access card or key to other people for any reason.

.Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.

.Don't allow strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.

.Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

Don't hesitate to act on these recommendations today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always remember that thought, planning and intentions are great but in order to accomplish anything you must take action.