New Orleans, Louisiana - It covers 2000 square miles and for now has remained barely a dozen miles offshore. However, the on-going oil spill resulting from last week's explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drill rig in the Gulf of Mexico has recreational boaters wondering what, if anything, they can do to prevent damage to their boats should the slick come ashore.
Every day tens of thousands of gallons of oil enters Gulf waters, bringing the slick potentially closer to marinas, clubs, boatyards and hundreds of boats. Forecasters say changes in wind direction could see the light oil slick, which some news reports describe as an "iced-tea" like sheen about as thin as a layer of paint, making landfall possibly as early as tomorrow.
What can I do to protect my boat?
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends the following tips for recreational boaters:
• If your marina or boat club puts oil containment booms in place, do not attempt to cross the booms with your boat. This will only spread the oil and damage the booms or possibly your vessel's running gear.
• If there is oil in your marina, refrain from running engines or other devices that have seawater intakes such as air conditioners or refrigerators.
• Hauling out your boat will prevent damage, but as of press time it was not clear if these costs will be reimbursed by British Petroleum (BP).
• If the spill is sighted coming toward your marina or already there, call the BP Community Information Hotline at 866-448-5816 to make a report.
• If your boat comes in contact with the oil, call your insurance company to file a claim. Uninsured boaters can call the BP Hotline at 800-440-0858 to file a claim.
• Damage to a BoatUS insured's vessel that is caused by the oil spill is covered. BoatUS members are directed to call 800-937-1937 to file a claim.
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About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
