Bermudian mariners may have a new option if they run into problems in the ocean thanks to the Island's first marine assistance company.

Sea Assist Ltd., a company started and operated by Chris Maughan, Mark Procter and Mark Powell, will offer a round-the-clock aid service for its members should they run into engine problems, run out of fuel, or otherwise require assistance.

"There is no assistance in the water apart from the marine police, so there is a good need for further assistance," said Mr. Procter, who has worked with Marine Police for the last four years, along with being a former Royal Navy diver.

"There are 13,000 recreational boaters in Bermuda, and over 900 transient boats annually," said Mr. Maughan in a press release. "Many of these boats are often in need for non-emergency types of assistance. This places a tremendous load on the Marine Police and takes away from being able to assist in emergency situations."

According to Mr. Procter, Marine Police receive around 250 calls a year from boaters in trouble, but the actual number of stranded boaters could be much higher. While the service will not be able to respond to serious emergencies, they can help with any of the minor problems that can leave a boater stranded.

"Lobster diving last season, our engine cut out on us," said Mr. Maughan. "We had to make a bunch of phone calls and eventually pulled someone from his family to get us."

Sea Assist offers three different packages, from the basic which ensures support at any hour of the day, to a premium package which also treats its customers with bi-monthly boat check-ups, a useful service for those who might not have time to maintain their boat year round.

"There are hundreds of boats literally sinking on their moorings," said Mr. Procter. "Every boat will break down." "We want to take the 'what if' out of boating," said Mr. Maughan.

Each of the operators are trained by Confident Captain/ Ocean Pros, a US Coast Guard approved programme, and the company already has two boats loaded with everything they need to jump start an engine, refuel your boat, or tow it out of trouble.

Most importantly, Sea Assist's owners want to help Bermudian boaters feel more secure while enjoying the Island's waters.

"What we're trying to provide is a service to Bermuda boaters that is punctual and professional to allow them full enjoyment of their boating experience," said Mr. Procter.