There are many ways to protect boats and yachts from theft; in addition to mechanical methods, there are now many electronic ways to protect against thieves. A relatively new type of theft protection, which is already used for valuable classic cars and comparable goods, is microdot marking. SeaHelp explains what this is and what the advantages and disadvantages are.
What are so-called microdots? Microdots are tiny identification platelets, usually only 0.5–1 mm in size (often made of polyester or metal) with a unique identification number that are permanently “imprinted” on specific property (for example, a yacht).
These microdots are applied in a special adhesive or varnish solution to various components. The sticker can be identified under a UV lamp, and the code can be read under a magnifying glass or microscope. This makes the marked object significantly less attractive to thieves – resale is made much more difficult.
Boat owners who are thinking about protecting their boat/yacht in this way (additionally) should know, however, that the advantages of microdot marking on board are also countered by disadvantages or limitations.
Microdot protection offers many advantages, but also some disadvantages
Microdots offer advantages in terms of deterring potential thieves. Clearly visible warning signs (“This boat is microdotted”) can certainly have a deterrent effect on organized theft networks. Another advantage of this marking is unambiguous identification: if the boat or individual components are stolen, they are registered in the system; authorities can use the microdot numbers immediately.
In addition, microdots are very difficult to remove; if the small dots are also applied to several different places on the boat, complete removal by thieves is hardly practicable. Another advantage: installing the small adhesive dots is relatively easy in practice (compared to complete alarm systems, for example), and the process is also relatively inexpensive.
Microdots offer no guarantee against theft, but they can act as a deterrent and make reuse more difficult
One of the biggest disadvantages of microdot systems is that they offer no guarantee against the actual theft; the small platelets do not prevent towing or forceful removal – they merely make reuse or resale more difficult. In this respect, they are suitable as an additional measure for theft protection. Furthermore, the notices and the applications themselves must remain visible in the long term; corrosion, painting over, or damage can reduce the effectiveness of the system.
It should also be noted that microdots that are not connected to a database may be limited in their effectiveness. When using this system, the boat owner should therefore ensure that the manufacturer guarantees to collect the data accordingly and secure it in a suitable form (database) that can be accessed immediately in the event of a theft.
Some insurers recognize microdots as a positive risk reduction feature
Some manufacturers advertise that users of microdots as theft protection can claim discounts on their boat insurance policies. However, these discounts are not guaranteed; whether an insurance company recognizes microdot marking as a risk reduction measure depends on each individual insurer – there are no clear, general guidelines for this (see below).
In individual cases, the insurance company may recognize the measure as a “positive risk reduction feature”. Some insurers offer discounts for proven theft protection (alarm system, motion detector, location monitoring) – microdots could be part of such a security concept.
To make a discount possible, owners should prove the installation to the insurance company (documentation, certificate), ask whether microdots are accepted as a measure, and if necessary combine the system with other security measures (e.g. GPS tracker, alarm system).
Recommendation: Microdots should always only be part of an overall concept for securing the boat
It is also important that boat owners should not succumb to a false sense of security: just because microdots are present, one cannot rely on complete security – this system can always only be part of an overall concept – with the described advantages but also the disadvantages.
Those who decide to apply microdots to their boat are best advised to proceed as follows: first decide which components are to be marked: Hull, engine, trailer, electrical/nav equipment, lifting eyes, outboard motors, steering system, etc. Then follows a cleaning of the relevant surfaces: the areas should be degreased and thoroughly cleaned so the adhesive can adhere better.
The application itself is done by applying the adhesive or varnish solution with the microdots evenly – this is often done sensibly in concealed areas (interior, engine room), but also clearly visible with warning stickers. These should be attached clearly visibly on the outer surfaces (e.g. companionway hatch, door, stern) so that potential thieves know that the boat is marked.
The application should be documented and registered in a special database
It is important to document the application; registration in a special database with serial numbers, photos of the positions as well as warning sticker photos is useful in this context; the access code for this should be well secured. Later, during every maintenance, it should be checked whether the markings are still present and legible.
Conclusion: Microdot marking can represent a sensible and cost-efficient supplement to theft protection for boats or yachts: it specifically makes “re-labeling” difficult for thieves, reduces the risk of resale of stolen parts and can serve as a deterrent. It is important not to rely on it alone, but to embed it in a holistic security concept (mechanical and/or electronic security at the berth, surveillance, insurance, registration). And: check whether the insurance company offers benefits for it.
