VALDEZ, Alaska — The Coast Guard encourages harbor users to be aware of the dangers of snow loads on their vessels this winter in Alaskan ports.

Every year Valdez gets hit hard with snowfall. In 2012, Valdez received more than 300 inches of snow by the middle of January. Mix rain with that and the snow load danger increases, especially on boats moored in small boat harbors. In years past, at least one boat per winter has sunk in the Valdez small boat harbor due to inattention to snow load or lack of proper maintenance. The same issue has affected vessels in the harbors in Kodiak, on the Alaska Peninsula and in Southeast Alaska.

“Valdez-based Coast Guard personnel conduct daily winter harbor patrols to identify boats at risk for reduced stability and sinking,” said Petty Officer 3^rd Class Susan Giambalvo, a marine science technician and pollution responder with Marine Safety Unit Valdez. “We are working in partnership with the Valdez harbormaster to take immediate action to remove snow from vessels that are at imminent risk of sinking. If costs are associated with that action, those expenses are the vessel owner’s responsibility.”

Here are a few steps mariners should take to ensure the safety of their vessel during periods of heavy snowfall:

• Remove snow and ice accumulation, including clearing scuppers
• Check shaft packing for excess leakage
• Perform routine checks for signs of loose or deteriorating planks on wooden hulled vessels
• Conduct a routine inspection of automatic bilge pumps
• Visually inspect all thru-hull fittings for damage or loose connections
• Remove unnecessary fuel from the boat if you are going to be away for an extended period of time
• Verify and update vessel owner contact information with the Valdez Small Boat Harbor
• Arrange reliable snow removal for both the boat and the finger pier which it occupies all winter

Source: USCG