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Subject: TWL: Security from the dinghy.
From: Bob Austin (thataway4@XXX.XXX)
Date: Wed May 01 2002 - 19:23:46 EDT
There is a very interesting story
at:http://www.nordhavn.com/atw/underway/commentary/leg3/043002jeff.htm
About Nordhavn's crew in the Cape Verde Islands--and why most cruisers
bypass this area.
There are some lessions. Carry all of our valued possessions (cash --no
more than you can afford to loose or absolutely need) copy of passport and
copy of ships paper when you first go ashore if it looks like an iffy
situation in a multipocketed wallet that ties around your neck and can be
stuffed down in front inside your shirt--or waist band. If the actual
passport is necessary, as it often is, then you can return and will have
already "scoped" out the landing and elements.
Always be alert for theift. Don't "trust" any of the "boat boys"--some are
great, but many will rip you off if they can. If you feel that you need to
hire a boat boat to watch the dinghy--get the biggest toughest one you can
find. I also lock up the oars, disable the outboard and have at least a 25
foot SS/vinly covered cable with padlock--even with a "guard" on the dinghy
it does not hurt to lock the boat to some secure object.
I advocate two dinghys--one a heavy skiff or RiB for long trips, the other a
light low hp inflatable that you can easily go through surf with and carry
up the beach to a tree or piling so that it can be adequately locked.
Also if any other boats are in the harbour--check with them for security
issues. I have had Port Captains want to keep Passports and ships
papers--I politely refuse and state that U S Law requires that the ships
papers and passports be in the possession of the vessel's master at all
times. Generally you can leave a copy of the passport if the authorities
are insistant. There are rare times that you might have to leave a port
before checking out (not a good idea, but better than loosing your boat or
life) If you have to, usually a written explaination and also an alert by E
mail or Radio to the U S Embasy in the country you are going to, explaining
why you left in an emergency (storm, anchor dragging, personal danger etc).
Regards.
Bob Austin
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