Boating, Sailing & Maritime Emergencies ======================================= Practical boat checks, sailing weather, coastal navigation, person-overboard recovery and Mayday guidance. Guides for coastal and inland boating as well as emergencies aboard sailing craft and larger vessels. Check your local laws, weather service and vessel manuals, and undertake practical maritime training. If lives are in immediate danger at sea, use your available maritime distress equipment and call for rescue; marine VHF Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boat Safety: Checks Before Leaving Shore ======================================== Plan a safe trip with weather, lifejackets, crew briefing, navigation and emergency equipment. IMMEDIATE RULE Do not depart when the forecast, visibility, craft condition or crew capability makes the trip unsafe. Wear an appropriate, correctly fitted lifejacket. 1. Check weather and water conditions Rule: A calm marina does not guarantee a safe passage. - Review marine forecasts, wind, swell, thunderstorms, tides, currents and local notices. - Set no-go conditions suitable for the boat, experience and passengers; postpone when the forecast exceeds them. - Know nearby safe harbours and when strong current or a tidal gate makes access unsafe. 2. Inspect the boat and equipment Rule: Failures are harder to manage afloat. - Check hull, bilge, hoses, seacocks, steering, fuel, engine cooling, battery and navigation lights. - Inspect rigging, sails, lines and reefing gear on sailing boats; confirm anchor and ground tackle. - Check fire extinguisher, bailer/pump, first-aid kit, navigation tools and any required local safety equipment. 3. Fit flotation and brief everyone Rule: Every passenger should know the basics. - Choose and correctly fit lifejackets appropriate to the activity, water and person; check children separately. - Show the location of emergency gear and demonstrate how to call for help. - Name a backup helm/operator and review a person-overboard response and engine-stop procedure. 4. Plan and share your route Rule: Leave a shore contact who will notice a delay. - Set departure, route, estimated return, passenger count and fallback destinations. - Share the plan with a responsible person on shore and agree when they should raise concern. - Carry a working navigation method and backup; never rely entirely on one phone or chartplotter. 5. Keep a safe watch Rule: Continue checking conditions after departure. - Maintain lookout and proper speed, especially around swimmers, shoals, traffic and poor visibility. - Track fuel/power, bilge level, wind and sea state; turn back before conditions become unmanageable. - Keep appropriate radio watch, follow local rules and avoid alcohol or impaired operation. PRACTICE CHECKLIST [ ] Carry out a written predeparture checklist. [ ] Try on and inspect every passenger lifejacket. [ ] Make a float plan and brief a shore contact. NOTES This guide supplements, not replaces, vessel-specific training, medical training, local law, maritime authorities, official alerts and emergency responders. SOURCES RNLI — boating and sailing safety — https://rnli.org/water-safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat RNLI — how to call for help at sea — https://rnli.org/water-safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure — https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gmdss-frequently-asked-questions NWS — boating in thunderstorms — https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-thunderstorms Updated 2026-11-04. Website: https://noinbox.dev/survival/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sailing: Weather, Reefing & Coastal Navigation ============================================== Manage changing wind and sea conditions, sails, watchkeeping and navigation with safer margins. IMMEDIATE RULE Reduce sail early and seek safe harbour before severe weather overtakes the vessel. Heavy-weather decisions require training appropriate to the craft and conditions. 1. Read the marine forecast Rule: Make decisions for the whole passage. - Check wind direction and gusts, wave height and period, sea state, visibility and thunderstorm risk. - Consider headlands, tidal races and the effect of wind against current. - Write down forecast update times and several places to stop or shelter along the route. 2. Reef before conditions escalate Rule: Do not wait until the crew is overloaded. - Check that reefing gear is functional before leaving and identify the safest sequence for your rig. - Shorten sail in a controlled way while the deck is still manageable; use harnesses/tethers where appropriate. - Avoid sending untrained crew to exposed positions during worsening conditions. 3. Navigate with margins Rule: Position uncertainty grows when visibility and electronics degrade. - Use up-to-date charts and compare GPS with landmarks, depths and other independent cues when available. - Account for leeway, tidal set, traffic separation and restricted areas. - Mark a safe distance from lee shores and submerged hazards; keep a paper chart or independent navigation backup. 4. Manage the crew and watch Rule: Fatigue causes errors. - Assign lookout and helm responsibilities, communicate turns and sail changes clearly, and use safe deck movement. - Keep people clipped on as appropriate and prevent unnecessary deck trips in rough conditions. - Monitor dehydration, cold exposure, seasickness and reduced alertness; reduce workload or turn back early. 5. Respond to rapid weather changes Rule: Safe shelter is often the best manoeuvre. - If thunderstorms threaten, head for port or safe shelter when feasible; do not start an exposed passage. - In lightning conditions follow national marine guidance, avoid contact with metal/electronics as appropriate and seek protected areas. - Use the vessel-specific heavy-weather plan and call for help early if control or safe navigation is in doubt. PRACTICE CHECKLIST [ ] Record wind, swell, tide and a safe-harbour alternative for a sample passage. [ ] Practise reefing at the dock or in settled conditions with an instructor. [ ] Review navigation and lightning procedures with the crew. NOTES This guide supplements, not replaces, vessel-specific training, medical training, local law, maritime authorities, official alerts and emergency responders. SOURCES RNLI — boating and sailing safety — https://rnli.org/water-safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat RNLI — how to call for help at sea — https://rnli.org/water-safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure — https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gmdss-frequently-asked-questions NWS — boating in thunderstorms — https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-thunderstorms Updated 2026-11-04. Website: https://noinbox.dev/survival/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Person Overboard: Immediate Response & Recovery =============================================== Raise the alarm, maintain visual contact, return carefully and prepare for cold-water exposure. IMMEDIATE RULE Shout “Person overboard,” point continuously at the person and deploy available flotation immediately. Call for help if recovery cannot be made promptly and safely. 1. Raise the alarm and point Rule: Do not lose visual contact. - Shout clearly to alert everyone; assign one person to point and maintain uninterrupted sight of the casualty. - Throw a lifebuoy, flotation cushion or rescue marker if available; activate a position marker or MOB button. - Call the appropriate rescue service early if the person may be lost, injured, unconscious or difficult to recover. 2. Control the vessel Rule: Avoid propellers and secondary casualties. - Reduce speed and follow the craft-specific return manoeuvre taught in training. - Keep a lookout for the casualty relative to wind, waves and the hull; use a trained helmsman. - Put the engine in neutral and stop it as needed before the casualty reaches the propeller area, following vessel-specific procedures. 3. Approach and recover safely Rule: Rescue gear reduces risk to the whole crew. - Approach at the slowest controlled speed suitable for conditions, avoiding propeller and hull injury. - Use a ladder, recovery sling or hoist appropriate to the person and craft; uncontrolled lifting can injure. - Do not send an unprotected rescuer into the water; call for professional rescue if recovery is beyond crew capability. 4. Treat cold-water exposure Rule: Breathing and consciousness are the immediate priorities. - Once recovered, move the person to shelter and assess responsiveness and normal breathing. - Call emergency services for drowning, breathing difficulty, reduced consciousness or significant cold exposure. - Remove wet clothing when safe, insulate and warm gradually; follow current first-aid or dispatcher guidance. 5. Prevent recurrence Rule: Manage the risk before another incident. - Review lifejacket fit, deck grip, guardrails, tether rules and nighttime procedures. - Check whether crew training, weather limits or deck routines need improvement. - Practise recovery techniques in controlled conditions using a floating dummy, not an unprotected person. PRACTICE CHECKLIST [ ] Assign a dedicated spotter during a mock MOB drill. [ ] Locate the flotation, MOB button and recovery equipment. [ ] Practise the manoeuvre only in a controlled training setting. NOTES This guide supplements, not replaces, vessel-specific training, medical training, local law, maritime authorities, official alerts and emergency responders. SOURCES RNLI — boating and sailing safety — https://rnli.org/water-safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat RNLI — how to call for help at sea — https://rnli.org/water-safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure — https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gmdss-frequently-asked-questions NWS — boating in thunderstorms — https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-thunderstorms Updated 2026-11-04. Website: https://noinbox.dev/survival/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ship Emergencies: Fire, Flooding & Engine Failure ================================================= Manage vessel emergencies without delaying a distress call or placing crew in additional danger. IMMEDIATE RULE Protect people first. A growing fire, uncontrolled flooding or loss of safe navigation can become life-threatening quickly: call for assistance early. 1. Recognise and communicate the incident Rule: Alert crew and establish control. - Raise the alarm, account for passengers and require lifejackets as conditions demand. - Identify whether fire, water ingress, smoke or propulsion failure threatens stability or people. - Call nearby assistance or send a distress/urgency message when appropriate; give your exact position. 2. React safely to fire Rule: Do not fight a fire you cannot safely escape. - Keep people clear of smoke and establish an exit route; isolate fuel, gas or electrical power only if safe and trained. - Use only suitable onboard extinguishers on small, contained fires with a clear escape path. - If fire spreads or smoke becomes severe, prioritise evacuation to a safe area and professional rescue. 3. Respond to flooding Rule: Stability and escape routes matter. - Locate ingress only if access is safe; do not enter flooded or electrically dangerous compartments. - Use installed bilge pumps or bailing equipment while maintaining lookout and safe vessel stability. - If flooding cannot be controlled, issue a distress call and prepare survival equipment early. 4. Manage loss of propulsion Rule: Keep the boat clear of danger. - Maintain lookout; assess drift, current, rocks, shipping lanes and weather. - If suitable and trained, check simple causes such as fuel or battery without going near moving machinery. - Use a properly sized anchor when appropriate and safe; request tow or rescue help before drifting into danger. 5. Prepare for escalation Rule: Do not delay rescue planning. - Gather people, lifejackets, communications, beacon and essential emergency equipment in an accessible location. - Confirm whether there is a liferaft or other survival craft and how it is deployed. - Follow rescue service directions and remain with a safely floating vessel whenever appropriate. PRACTICE CHECKLIST [ ] Point out fuel isolation, fire extinguisher, bilge pump and anchor. [ ] Practise reporting a vessel position without a phone app. [ ] Brief the crew on escalation and assembly points. NOTES This guide supplements, not replaces, vessel-specific training, medical training, local law, maritime authorities, official alerts and emergency responders. SOURCES RNLI — boating and sailing safety — https://rnli.org/water-safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat RNLI — how to call for help at sea — https://rnli.org/water-safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure — https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gmdss-frequently-asked-questions NWS — boating in thunderstorms — https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-thunderstorms Updated 2026-11-04. Website: https://noinbox.dev/survival/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayday, Distress Signals & Abandon-Ship Decisions ================================================= Make a clear marine distress call and understand beacons, life rafts and survival priorities. IMMEDIATE RULE Use MAYDAY for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. If the vessel remains a safe place to await rescue, do not abandon it merely because help has been called. 1. Send a distress alert Rule: Use the emergency equipment you have. - For a life-threatening maritime emergency, activate a correctly configured DSC distress alert if equipped. - On marine VHF, call MAYDAY on Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and listen for a response. - Use a registered EPIRB/PLB as designed when needed, especially beyond reliable VHF or phone coverage. 2. Transmit essential facts Rule: Give rescuers the information they need. - Say MAYDAY three times; identify your vessel by name and call sign/MMSI if known. - State precise position, nature of distress, assistance needed and the number of people onboard. - Add relevant injuries, vessel description and other hazards; remain on the radio when possible. 3. Understand the different alarms Rule: Match the signal to the seriousness. - MAYDAY is for immediate grave danger; urgency and safety calls use different procedures taught in marine radio training. - A DSC radio needs correctly programmed MMSI and a reliable GPS input to include your position automatically. - Avoid testing a live distress alert; use built-in test modes and registration instructions. 4. Prepare but avoid premature abandonment Rule: Survival craft is a last-resort transition. - Account for all crew, distribute lifejackets and ready the raft, grab bag, beacon and signaling equipment. - Remain with the vessel while it is safer than entering the water or a raft, unless fire, sinking or rescuers require departure. - When abandoning is necessary, follow liferaft instructions, avoid entering cold water where possible and keep people together. 5. Survive while waiting for rescue Rule: Conserve warmth and make yourself findable. - Once in a survival craft, keep people secure, out of the water and as protected from wind and spray as possible. - Keep beacon antennas and distress signals operated according to manufacturer instructions; follow rescue instructions. - Treat cold-water exposure and injuries, limit unnecessary movement and use available visibility aids when rescuers approach. PRACTICE CHECKLIST [ ] Write a MAYDAY script with your vessel name and example coordinates. [ ] Check your DSC/MMSI/GPS connection and beacon registration before departure. [ ] Show passengers where the life raft and distress signals are stored. NOTES This guide supplements, not replaces, vessel-specific training, medical training, local law, maritime authorities, official alerts and emergency responders. SOURCES RNLI — boating and sailing safety — https://rnli.org/water-safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/how-to-stay-safe-when-you-go-afloat RNLI — how to call for help at sea — https://rnli.org/water-safety/how-to-call-for-help-at-sea US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure — https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gmdss-frequently-asked-questions NWS — boating in thunderstorms — https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-thunderstorms Updated 2026-11-04. Website: https://noinbox.dev/survival/