Boats and yachts, symbols of luxury and freedom, have been alluring trophies for criminals since… well, since the time boats and yachts existed. Since even before the times, the feared pirate Bluebeard roamed the seas, and the pirates made their own rules and laws.
Today, long gone are buccaneers with eyepatches; now, they’re digital marauders armed with technology. And piracy became something distant. Or did it?
Real maritime piracy may happen elsewhere, like in the Malacca Straits of the Indian Ocean. However, its other forms, such as theft, vandalism and fraud, are still very much present. And they don’t happen in the open sea, but “at home”, in marinas and dry docks. And online.
The reasons behind things such as boat theft or vessel fraud are multifold: the high value of the vessel itself, lax security in certain marinas, and the relative ease with which vessels can be sold or repurposed in clandestine markets.
While they might appear interconnected on the surface by the common name of “crime”, each carries its distinct set of motives, methods, and aftermaths.
Distinct differences: vandalism vs. theft vs. fraud
In the maritime world, the luxury and freedom associated with boats and yachts are sometimes overshadowed by criminal activities. They may indeed happen rarer than in the case of automobiles or other property. Still, nevertheless – crimes involving boats and yachts do happen.
So, it’s paramount to understand the nuances among the triad of vessel-related crimes:
- vandalism
- theft
- fraud
Vandalism
At its core, vandalism is defined as a deliberate act of damage or defacement of other people’s property. In this case, this property means your vessel.
It’s a crime driven by various motivations, from personal vendettas and territorial disputes to mere mischief.
The aftermath of vandalism, breaking and entering, broken windows, graffiti, or destroyed equipment, might seem superficial, but… Vandalism is not always financially crippling, but still, damages have been made.
Theft
In stark contrast to the passive aggression of vandalism, theft is the audacious act of stealing the vessel itself. It’s a true and true crime and very often premeditated.
Thieves may be driven by the allure of the vessel’s value, the thrill of the act, or the potential to repurpose or sell the boat in underground markets.
Financial implications of vessel theft can be substantial, especially if the boat or yacht was a significant investment or a primary source of income.
Fraud
Fraud, the most elusive of the three, lays its foundation on deceit. It’s less about physical trespassing and more about manipulating trust and information.
Fraud is not unknown in the maritime world. We encounter activities like selling stolen vessels under forged paperwork, creating phantom boats for insurance claims, or duping unsuspecting buyers and renters with counterfeit documentation.
Fraud sometimes has “the ability” to remain undetected until well after the crime. Victims often realize they’ve been swindled only when faced with legal disputes, financial losses, or when their so-called “legitimate” vessel is flagged down.
The first move: what to do when your boat or yacht is vandalized
Whatever the situation is at hand, it’s vital to remain pragmatic. Swift and composed actions are the keys to mitigating the aftermath.
Before attempting to clean or fix anything, it’s essential to meticulously document the full extent of the damage. Using a camera or smartphone, capture high-resolution photographs from multiple angles, ensuring all details of defacement or damage are clearly visible.
Immediately inform the marina security about the vandalism. Their assistance can be instrumental in securing the scene and potentially gathering evidence from surveillance cameras or eyewitness accounts. And, of course, file an official report with the local police.
Once the immediate actions are taken care of, it’s time to notify your maritime insurance broker. Provide the evidence, give a detailed account of the incident, and clarify any queries the insurance may have.
Post-incident, upgrading or installing security around your vessel might be worth considering. This could be in the form of advanced security systems, additional lighting, or even collaborating more closely with marina security. Being prepared can offer peace of mind in the future.
Vanished without a trace: steps to take when your vessel is stolen
A vessel, be it a modest boat or a lavish yacht, is more than just a watercraft or a means of business and making income. For some, it represents passion, investment, and countless memories.
So, discovering its absence is not just about losing a piece of property.
Your immediate reaction? You should keep calm even though your initial instinct might be to panic.
Once you’re certain of the theft, your call should be to the local police or marine law enforcement. Provide them with all the requisite details of your vessel, including its make, model, registration number, unique identifiers, and recent photographs.
Immediately after notifying the police, reach out to your maritime insurance broker. This not only starts the claims process but also ensures you meet any stipulated deadlines for reporting theft. Be ready with all necessary documentation, from purchase papers to any recent upgrades or modifications you might have made.
Our advice? Engage also the boating community.
Whether through marinas, local boating clubs, or online forums, spreading the word about your stolen vessel can exponentially increase the chances of someone spotting it. Share photographs and any distinctive features and give your contact for potential leads. The solidarity of the boating community and many eyes on the water can be crucial in locating your vessel.
Identifying and responding to potential fraud
Fraud, in its maritime terms, ranges from fake listings of vessels for sale or rent to counterfeit documentation, manipulated vessel histories, or even phantom boats that exist only “online”.
In a world where digital transactions and online marketplaces dominate, approach all deals with a healthy dose of scepticism. If a deal appears too good to be true, with a price point significantly below market value – consider it a red flag. While everyone loves a bargain, in the maritime domain, such deals can often be the bait for larger scams.
Research the individual or company offering the vessel. Check for reviews, past transaction records, and any possible complaints or legal actions. Personal references can also be invaluable.
Always ensure you have access to and thoroughly review all relevant documentation when considering a purchase, lease, or rental. This includes registration, maintenance records, and any liens on the vessel. Even minor inconsistencies can be indicative of more extensive fraudulent activities.
Should you find yourself facing potential fraud, stop any ongoing transactions or payments. Document all interactions, agreements, and evidence related to the suspected fraud. Engage with law enforcement, provide them with the compiled information, and consider seeking legal counsel if significant assets are at stake.
Beyond coverage: the broader role of insurance in vessel protection
While many perceive insurance as a mere safety net for post-incident compensation, at Yacht-Pool, our maritime brokers extend their influence well beyond mere coverage.
Yacht-Pool maritime brokers play an educative role also; offering resources and tips on vessel protection. In an era where digitization is omnipresent, insurers are at the forefront, advocating for the integration of advanced technological tools in maritime defence.
By endorsing state-of-the-art systems such as geo-fencing and sensors, they ensure vessels remain within safe territorial confines. They know that real-time tracking and always knowing your boat’s whereabouts, together with threat detection systems that continuously scan for anomalies, are pre-empting potential threats.
These advancements have not only elevated the protection levels for vessels but have redefined the very role of insurance in the maritime world, making it a proactive shield rather than a reactive solution.
