As storm season blows into the Pacific Northwest, the Coast Guard is reminding boaters to ensure their vessels are properly secured to safeguard against strong winds and heavy surf.

The Coast Guard gets up to 40 reports daily of vessels adrift in Puget Sound during fall and winter storms, said Petty Officer Denys Rivas, a search and rescue specialist at Coast Guard Sector Seattle.

“These adrift vessels not only represent a possible loss of property for the owners, they are significant hazards to navigation and also pose a serious environmental threat as chemicals and fuels onboard can spill should the vessels break apart,” Rivas said. “Response crews are also put at risk when responding to these boats in rough waters.”

The Coast Guard offers the following tips to boaters:

• If you don’t have one already, get a storm anchor. The anchors that come with boats are often inadequate for storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift.
• Check all anchor and mooring lines. Double up lines for added strength and make sure all lines and tackle are in good condition.
• Move small boats from the water to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
• Cover your boat to prevent flooding. Heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking. If you can’t bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to a dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become navigational hazards and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
• Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information onboard so that if your boat becomes adrift, agencies will know who to contact.
• Make sure every person aboard is wearing a life jacket. The chances of surviving a boat mishap are greatly increased by wearing a life jacket. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm
• Have a marine radio onboard. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water, where reception may be poor or unavailable. While cell phones communicate from one point to another, a VHF radio has a strong signal and distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies. 
• Have a float plan. A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage that is filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or. It’s helpful to describe in the float plan the vessel, equipment, crew and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water. In the case of an emergency of missing vessel, information can be provided to the Coast Guard or marine police.
• Check local weather forecasts. Storms can come up quickly. Always check local weather conditions and forecasts before heading out on a boat. While on the water, monitor current forecasts, warnings and conditions via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. There are 14 NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcasting along the Oregon and Washington coasts.

 For detailed marine coastal weather forecasts, check the National Weather Service website.