A boat emergency can happen anywhere, anytime, especially when you least expect it. Even small problems can quickly turn into situations beyond your control if you don’t know how to handle them right away. Although it sounds scary one has to admit that accidents happen every day on the water but the majority of them are minor ones that a boater can manage. The worst-case scenarios are less common, but they can still be pretty scary. It’s important to know what to do when you find yourself in situations like these.

When to Call for Help?

Some boaters doubt whether their emergency requires assistance from authorities. So we lay down a list of incidents when you need to call for help.

• boat is leaking
• fire onboard
• capsized boat
• collision with another boat/structure underwater/coral reefs
• a medical emergency

Even if the incident you’re in might not be on the list and your gut feeling is telling you to call for help, you shouldn’t ignore it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People will reach out and assist you no matter how small the emergency is.

Visual Distress Signals

Your boat should always be equipped with visual distress signals. These boat equipment are very useful and these will offer a distress alert to any boat within its radar. These are effective at getting attention from other boaters when needed the most. If you neglected to bring any visual distress signals you can use your body to signal for help by waving your hands above your head.

If you have visual distress signals make sure you know how to use them when an emergency happens. Visual distress signals are in the form of flags, orange-coloured signal flags and flares. The orange distress flag is the international symbol of distress on the water. Night distress signals involve SOS electric signal lights and flare guns. Make sure to utilize these distress signals when you need immediate help and it takes a while for authorities to send help.

 If you have visual distress signals stowed away Quintrex fishing boat, make sure you know how to use them in case of an emergency. Visual distress signals come in the form of flags, orange-coloured signal flags, and flares. The orange distress flag is the international symbol of distress on the water. Night distress signals include SOS electric signal lights and flare guns. Be sure to use these distress signals when you need immediate help.

Mobile Phone

Make use of your phone to call help for in emergencies. This is applicable if you’re near shores or if you have a signal. Keep a list of appropriate phone numbers stored in your phone’s contact list and on board. Just as you would on land, use your cell phone to call 911 or another water rescue authority in your area. However, don’t rely on your phone as your only source of contact equipment to call for help.

VHF Radio

A marine VHF radio is probably the most vital gear of communications for boaters as this is their lifeline. If you’re not sure how to use it, there’s no better time than right now to figure out how to use one.

In emergencies, there are certain procedures to follow to ensure the Volunteer Coast Guard’s immediate response to your need for help. There are three phrases that you might hear on a VHF radio, and they all relate to safety.

• Mayday: This word is a distress signal that you use if you require the most urgent response. Use this signal when a person or boat is threatened by grave danger and requires assistance quickly.
• Pan pan: This is used to signal urgent information and if your emergency is not life-threatening. You can use this in cases when your boat has accidentally drifted into shore or into a busy channel where large boats and ships pass or when your boat’s hull or engine has leaks or in situations when you need stand-by help before it gets worse.
• Securite: This is a safety signal to transmit navigational or meteorological warnings. Use this when you transmit stormy weather updates and other navigational hazards.

Check if your VHF radio is working properly. If it functions wonkily, it’s time to replace it right away. You can buy it in your local boat shops. You can purchase one for as low as $150.