Emergencies and Calling for Help

Practice the first actions mentally before you need them. Panic wastes the minutes that matter. This guide is educational — not a substitute for hands-on training or official USCG procedures.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

CO is colorless and odorless. Risk rises with enclosed cabins, poorly placed generators, station-wagon effect at the stern, and teaking while engines or generators run. Install and test CO alarms where people sleep or gather in enclosed spaces. If anyone has headache, nausea, or confusion underway — get to fresh air, shut down sources, and seek help.

Fire

1. Alert the crew; assign PFDs if abandoning may follow
2. Cut fuel and electrical if you can do so safely
3. Aim extinguishers at the base of the flame; know your extinguisher type limits
4. If the fire is beyond you, get people off and call for help early

Man overboard (MOB)

1. Shout “man overboard” and point continuously at the person
2. Throw flotation immediately
3. Note position / hit MOB on GPS if equipped
4. Approach carefully from downwind / down-current as trained for your boat; stop prop near the person
5. Recover with ladder, sling, or boarding method you have practiced — cold water reduces self-rescue fast

Do not enter the water to help unless you are trained, equipped, and it will not create a second victim.

Grounding and taking on water

Reduce speed / stop prop damage; check bilge and hull; account for tide if coastal. Slow leaks may be manageable with pumps and a plan; rapid flooding means life jackets on and a distress call early. Know your seacocks and plugs.

Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Securité (VHF)

On VHF Channel 16 (or the DSC distress function if equipped and registered):

• Mayday — grave and imminent danger (e.g., sinking, fire out of control, medical emergency with life threat). Say “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” identify your vessel, position, nature of distress, number of people, and assistance needed. Speak clearly; repeat as required.
• Pan-Pan — urgent but not yet mayday-level (e.g., loss of steering with no immediate sinking).
• Securité — safety messages (navigation hazards).

Have position, vessel description, and headcount ready. Cell 911 may work near shore; tell them you are on a boat and give the best location you can. EPIRB / PLB activation follows your device’s instructions for true distress offshore.

After any serious incident

Account for everyone. Once safe, notify authorities as required, your insurer when appropriate, and close or update any float plan ashore.

FAQs

Should I practice MOB? Yes — with flotation throws and verbal roles on a calm day, never by putting someone at real risk.
Do I need DSC? Digital Selective Calling on a connected VHF can send a digital distress with position; register your MMSI. Still learn voice Mayday.

Advisory only. Follow current USCG guidance and get formal training for offshore or commercial profiles.