You’re sailing along in the middle of the sea in your Quintrex boat, and, suddenly, you receive a signal from another vessel or you see a boat needing rescue and help.
Boat emergencies can happen for any number of reasons, like engine problems or simply running out of fuel. But whether it’strouble with their outboard motor that needs repair, bad weather or operator error, boating accidents and other emergencies can happen to anyone at any time and your ability to help other boaters in distress can mean the difference between life and death. Here is a guide on what to do if you come across a boat in distress.
Approach the Distressed Carefully
When getting closer to a boat that might be in peril, look and listen for distress signals to make sure there are boaters that actually need your assistance.
Ask if they need assistance if you can see or hear someone. When you cannot find anyone and the boat seems to be damaged or sinking you can assume that it is in danger. But do not attempt to board the other boat at any time. Move your boat alongside the other boat, but not too close. Keep a safe distance and ask the boaters if they need help. If you can’t find anyone in or near the boat but it clearly looks like the boat is in danger, don’t attempt to board it.
Call for an Emergency Assistance
Use a marine VHF radio or your cellphone to call for emergency help. If you spot people in or near the other boat, ask whether anyone is hurt and inform the authorities if medical attention is needed. Don’t forget to speak slowly and clearly, and repeat the information if necessary.
Use Your Spare PFDs to Rescue the Victims
When helping another boat in distress from emergencies like running aground, sinking or fires, help get as many people off the other boat as possible. Personal flotation devices are crucial in these situations. While all boats are required to have personal flotation devices onboard, you may come across a distressed vessel that doesn’t have enough or any PFDs at all.
Always have spare flotation devices onboard that you can toss over to others in case they don’t already have them. That way others can swim to your boat safely, provided you can accommodate more people on board.
Don’t Risk Your Own Safety
While the safety and survival of those on a distressed boat are vital, never prioritize the safety of others over that of the people on your own boat. Don’t attempt to provide assistance if doing so will put even more people at risk. Only load passengers from the other boat onto your own if your boat is big enough to handle the extra load. If you’ve loaded extra passengers on your boat and are taking them to shore and/or towing their boat, inform the authorities.
Take Note of the Visual Distress Signals
Boats that are in emergency situations usually flag out distress signals such as showing orange flags and orange smoke flares during the day, and emergency signal lights and red flares at night. If you see another boat firing off flares, waving orange flags or displaying S.O.S. emergency lights, don’t ignore them.
That goes for horns and whistles too if you hear them. Respond immediately, as you’re required by law to help if you’re able to, but again, don’t risk your own safety to help others. As mentioned above, approach the distressed boat with caution.
Towing a Distressed Boat
Never tow another boat until you’re sure the hardware you attach towlines to on both boats is firmly installed and sturdy enough for towing. Make sure the tow lines are stable as well, and that they’re at an appropriate length to tow another boat.
When towing another boat, maintain a low speed, and make sure the emergency tow line is secured at a distance where both boats can stay in sync with each other through waves. Also, never attempt to tow a boat larger than your own.
Don’t Panic
Of course, the most important thing to keep in mind when helping a distressed boat is not to panic. This applies especially to man overboard situations, where people in water could already be panicking and could put you in danger.
Exchange Contact Information
Finally, when bringing others from a distressed boat safely onto your own boat, make sure to exchange contact information. You’ll need to report the incident to the authorities anyway, so having the contact information of anyone you pulled into your boat is important for following up.