News

April 24, 2008

To highlight the fact that Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are amongst the most likely craft to be stolen from UK waters, Boat Register will be offering free security check-ups at this year’s RIBEX show from 9th to 11th May at Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight.

“RIBEX is the world’s only dedicated RIB show,” says Piers Covill of Boat Register. “There is no better place to ensure that RIB owners are given the best information about keeping themselves and their boat safe and secure, giving themselves the best chance against criminals if their boat is targeted. The latest security packages can ensure peace-of-mind for the same price as two stops at the re-fuelling berth.”

RIBs, their outboards and other equipment are popular targets for thieves. Often poorly secured in remote locations, a large proportion of stolen RIBs are not recovered. In some cases, they can even be shipped abroad before the owner has even reported them missing. A number of simple, practical and reasonably inexpensive measures can deter thieves and aid the police in recovering the vessel and reuniting it with its rightful owner.

At the heart of Boat Register’s system is the free on-line registration service. Serial numbers, bills and even photographs can be logged by any boat owner to prove ownership and aid future identification. To complement the system Boat Register also offers optional hidden electronic tags (similar to pet chipping schemes), and a waterproof, self-powered tracking device that alerts you if your boat is being moved.

“From our point of view, keeping boating accessible is essential,” says Jon Langford of Noble Marine Insurance. “If total losses are reduced insurance premiums can be kept competitive and crime prevention need not be solely dependent on punitive conditions of storage and usage [like the requirement that boats are stored in approved locations with 24-hour CCTV coverage]. The Boat Register approach marks a sea-change in the provision of practical, efficient and cost effective boat security, something that helps keep everyone happy, not just the insurers.”

For your free boat security check-list visit Piers Covill and the Boat Register Team at stand A2 at RIBEX show in Cowes, Isle of Wight between May 9th to 11th where they will be able to guide you through the most effective means of securing your vessel and highlight some simple things to deter the thieves without punishing your wallet.

Ends

BOAT REGISTER CONTACT DETAILS
Piers Covill
Tel: 01491 411 517 or 07811 380 055 (mob)
Email: piers@boatregister.eu

CAPTIONS: Piers Covill with some of Boat Register’s security components
Selecta DNA and RFID (‘Radio Frequency Identification’) tags (actual size 10mm)
(high res versions available on request)