By Paul Knieste
What’s the good of a boat having the required equipment to manage boating emergencies aboard if no one knows how to use it properly?
A link at the end of this story provides information on what equipment and communication devices the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires boaters to have aboard, depending on the size and type of vessel and sometimes its proximity to shore. All should be located in accessible spots on the boat and captain and crew should become proficient in how to act in different types of emergencies.
In an emergency, the first priority is to alert the USCG and inform them of the situation. While a cell phone or app can do this, using the VHF radio also alerts nearby boaters who may be able to render assistance quickly. Many captains monitor channel 16, the emergency frequency.
Your radio call falls into one of three categories:
- When loss of life is imminent
- Where it’s difficult to spot other boaters or hazards
- If help is needed but there’s no life-threatening situation
Category one is a “Mayday” call sent via channel 16 when a dangerous situation is occurring, such as a fire on the boat or someone overboard. To summon the USCG, key the microphone and say, “U.S. Coast Guard, this is ______ calling on 16.”
Use the word “Mayday” three times. Although an emergency response may already be underway, repeat your call for assistance every 30 seconds until you get an acknowledgement. The operator may prompt you for additional information or advise you as to what action to take. If you cannot provide your exact location, the operator may ask you to count forward on channel 16 until technology can pinpoint your location.
Follow the instructions from the USCG. You may be asked to switch to another channel to keep 16 clear for others. If so, say, “Confirmed. Switching to [channel number].”
Unless you need to abandon the boat, prepare flares, life rafts, and emergency gear while awaiting first responders. Double check that all aboard are wearing life jackets and understand the situation and what to expect. The calmer you stay, the less agitated they may be.
Category two arises if you’re not in danger but spot hazards to navigation or worsening weather. Radio “Securite” (pronounced saycuritay) three times on channel 16 before describing the potential peril.
Category three is when danger isn’t imminent but conditions may worsen. State “Pan-Pan” (pronounced pahn-pahn) on channel 16 three times before describing your safety concerns. Note to other boaters: When you hear any such transmissions, stay off the radio, and monitor the situation, unless you are in a position to help or are in the same situation in category two.
Should another vessel come to your aid, alert the USCG. The assisting vessel should also monitor the same radio frequency.
Hailing another vessel can be done by waving arms and shouting, using an orange smoke flare, or whistle/air horn. Display the emergency pennant (red flag with a black square and ball) on a mast, antenna, or fishing rod. At night you can fire an emergency aerial flare or ignite a hand held flare, but do so only when you can see the running lights of another boat.
Before the arrival of the USCG, the captain may need to decide to abandon ship to save lives. It’s an important determination under adverse circumstances. Remain calm, account for everyone aboard (in life jackets, of course) and act decisively.
Once the USCG or other law enforcement is on the scene, they will board your boat, assess the situation, secure the boat, and determine the order of action. They will first attend to any medical issues (or summon further help) and then proceed to do whatever the emergency requires, such as pumping out water or repairing leaks in a flooding/sinking situation.
While the USCG crew is aboard, you must follow their direction. You’ll be advised what will happen next, such as evacuating the vessel or setting up to be towed.
In the event of a tow, a USCG crewmember will stay on board and maintain radio contact with the tow vessel. (Keep wearing life jackets for the duration of the tow.) As deemed necessary, you’ll be towed to a point and then handed off to your chosen tow service to bring you back to your marina or repair site. When the USCG hands your boat off to the towing service, the cost is yours (it’s wise to have tow insurance or a contract).
Keeping your boat in good repair, stocking required equipment and knowing how to use it, and practicing safe boating are the best ways to avoid emergencies. However, things still happen, and whether it’s a passenger’s sudden illness, another vessel striking you, or a fire aboard, it’s imperative that you remain as cool as possible. As captain, you must act responsibly — you’re charged with the personal safety of your passengers and crew.
A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
Video on how to use a VHF radio to call for help
