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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.
Onboard safety and emergency skills
Each guide includes practical steps, an illustrated sequence and an offline text download.
Boat Safety: Checks Before Leaving Shore
Plan a safe trip with weather, lifejackets, crew briefing, navigation and emergency equipment.
Open guide →Maritime
Sailing: Weather, Reefing & Coastal Navigation
Manage changing wind and sea conditions, sails, watchkeeping and navigation with safer margins.
Open guide →MaritimePerson Overboard: Immediate Response & Recovery
Raise the alarm, maintain visual contact, return carefully and prepare for cold-water exposure.
Open guide →MaritimeShip Emergencies: Fire, Flooding & Engine Failure
Manage vessel emergencies without delaying a distress call or placing crew in additional danger.
Open guide →Maritime
Mayday, Distress Signals & Abandon-Ship Decisions
Make a clear marine distress call and understand beacons, life rafts and survival priorities.
Open guide →Maritime distress reminder
VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international distress and calling channel. For grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, transmit MAYDAY with the vessel name, position, nature of distress, assistance needed and persons onboard. Use DSC/beacons where equipped.
Related guides: navigation, first aid, rescue signals.
Official references
- RNLI — boating and sailing safety
- RNLI — how to call for help at sea
- US Coast Guard — VHF MAYDAY procedure
- NWS — boating in thunderstorms
Weather alerts, regulations and professional training override general website instructions.