As of August 31, the National Weather Service is predicting the possibility of severe weather to affect our region during the later portion of this week.

The Harbormaster Department is urging all boat owners to take necessary precautions. If at all possible, vessels should be hauled out of the water and stored at an inland location.

Waiting until the last minute to do so will cause longer delays at the limited number of hauling areas in town. Private marinas have extensive, pre-planned emergency hauling lists. Be sure to check with your marina and make sure you have been included in this plan.

During any severe weather, vessels will not be permitted to tie up at any of the public dock facilities. These include Besse Park, Tempest Knob Boat Ramp, Onset Pier and any of the town-managed transient moorings. Any vessel left at any of these locations within 24 hours of landfall will be removed at the owner's expense.

Owners should take extra steps in preparing for severe weather for vessels that are left on a mooring or at a private dock.

Be sure to remove all loose gear, take down canvas, and secure all equipment that could become free. Be sure to inspect the mooring lines, add extra pennant lines, and storm anchors if able to do so. Keep a spare throw anchor with line onboard if your vessel becomes free from its mooring.

Make sure your engines, generators, and bilge pumps are in good working condition and that batteries are fully charged, and review all of your safety equipment. Attach extra fenders around your boat to minimize hull damage from docks or other vessels that may become free during any severe weather.

No one's boat is worth risking a human life to protect! The Harbormaster Department does not support the idea of "riding out the storm." This is extremely dangerous and has a great potential for injuries or even loss of life. We can only ask that if the decision is made by the boat owner to risk "life and limb" in an attempt to protect their boat, that they notify the Harbormaster Department to file a float plan and wear a lifejacket or survival suit for the duration of the storm.

We will continue to keep you posted as more information becomes available. Feel free to contact our offices at 508-291-3100 Ext. 3186, or the Dockmaster's Office at 508-295-8160 if you have any questions or concerns.