How to Handle Five Boating Emergencies

If flames threaten a portable gas tank or propane cylinder, toss it over or abandon ship Courtesy US Coast Guard

The types of emergencies that can occur aboard boats are as numerous as the types of boats and types of boaters. Naturally, our boats should be properly equipped with life jackets for everyone, distress signals, a VHF radio, and more.

We should also gain knowledge of the waters we are cruising and check the weather before heading out. That’s all good, but general, advice. What should you do first in a specific situation? Here are five emergencies, and ways they might be handled, for your consideration.

Sudden Storm Conditions

Don life jackets, then secure loose gear, close hatches/windows, and reduce speed while maintaining headway and steerage. Choose a safe shelter, and head there immediately. Turn on your nav lights. Have your crew sit close to the ­centerline, and on the sole, for ­safety and stability. With ­lightning strikes, have ­everyone stay low and away from metal. Remove metal jewelry, and lower the rods and outriggers.

Fire

Turn the boat so that the wind doesn’t fan the flames and blows the smoke away, ­preventing its spread and smoke ­inhalation. Don life ­jackets. Shut off the fuel if the tanks or engines are at risk. Call mayday on VHF ­Channel 16, a DSC-VHF ­distress ­button, or 911 on a ­cellphone with service. Give your boat description, location, and passengers on board. Use a fire extinguisher to PASS: Pull pin; Aim at fire base; Squeeze handle; Sweep side-to-side. Never use water on gas, oil, grease or electrical fires. If you can safely throw the burning object, toss it overboard. If flames threaten a portable gas tank or propane cylinder, toss it over or abandon ship.

Medical Emergency

Is it life-threatening or manageable? If serious, call mayday on VHF 16, use a DSC-VHF distress button, or 911 on a cellphone with service. Stop bleeding with pressure or by raising the limb above heart level. Use a sterile dressing secured with bandages. If the victim is in shock, keep them warm and lying down with their feet raised. 

Collision

After a collision, immediately stop your engines and check for injuries aboard your boat. Have everyone don a life jacket. Treat the injuries. Check for flooding, then activate bilge pumps, close seacocks, and stuff gear into holes to control leaks. Call for help. When safe, check on the other boat and its passengers. If possible, document the scene with pictures and video.  

Read Next: The First Thing to Do if Involved in a Boating Accident

Stay near the sinking boat so that you can be spotted more easily by rescuers. Courtesy US Coast Guard Sinking

First, don life jackets. Make a distress call (VHF 16, DSC-VHF distress button, or 911 on a cell). Find the leak and activate bilge pumps. Make temporary repairs, such as closing seacocks or jamming wet clothing into an opening. Head for the nearest shore to beach your boat. To abandon ship, gather what you need: a line to hold everyone together, hats and jackets, water, and a handheld VHF. Take distress signals. Stay near the sinking boat so that you can be spotted more easily by rescuers. Climb atop a swamped or capsized boat to forestall hypothermia.

Caught on a Dam or Waterfall

Dams or spillways with dangerous currents can suck in boats, even against their engines. Stay with the boat, and get life jackets on everyone. Drop an anchor before you reach the dam to hold you in safe water for rescue. Make a distress call (VHF 16, DSC-VHF distress button, or 911 on a cell). Keep everyone low to prevent tipping and swamping, and move them back from the edge to balance the boat. If you do go into the water and are swept over, tuck your chin, draw your knees up, and wrap your arms around them tightly with wrists locked.

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