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Emergency Procedures

Comprehensive emergency procedures for critical situations. In any emergency, the safety of the crew is the highest priority.

Emergency Priority

The safety of all persons on board takes precedence over saving the boat or any equipment.

Emergency Communications

VHF Radio Distress Calls

Your boat's VHF Radio is your primary method of emergency communication. The emergency channel is Channel 16.

MAYDAY Call (Life-Threatening Emergency)

Use MAYDAY when there is grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance: - Severe injury or medical emergency - Fire that cannot be controlled - Sinking or flooding - Collision with severe damage

MAYDAY Procedure:

  1. Switch to Channel 16
  2. Press and hold transmit button
  3. Say slowly and clearly:
  4. "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY"
  5. "This is [boat name], [boat name], [boat name]"
  6. "MAYDAY [boat name]"
  7. "My position is [latitude/longitude or description]"
  8. "We have [nature of emergency]"
  9. "We require immediate assistance"
  10. "We have [number] persons on board"
  11. "Over"
  12. Release transmit button and listen for response
  13. Repeat if no response received within 30 seconds

PAN PAN Call (Urgent but Not Life-Threatening)

Use PAN PAN for urgent situations requiring assistance but not immediate danger to life: - Medical assistance needed (non-life-threatening) - Mechanical breakdown in dangerous location - Dragging anchor in crowded anchorage - Loss of steering or propulsion near hazards

PAN PAN Procedure:

  1. Switch to Channel 16
  2. Press and hold transmit button
  3. Say slowly and clearly:
  4. "PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN"
  5. "All stations, all stations, all stations"
  6. "This is [boat name], [boat name], [boat name]"
  7. "My position is [latitude/longitude or description]"
  8. "We have [nature of problem]"
  9. "We require assistance"
  10. "Over"
  11. Release transmit button and listen for response

Emergency Contact Numbers

France

  • General Emergency: 112 (EU standard)
  • Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15
  • Police: 17
  • Fire: 18
  • Maritime Rescue (CROSS): 196 or VHF CH 16
  • VHF Emergency Broadcast: CH 16

Spain

  • General Emergency: 112 (EU standard)
  • Guardia Civil: 062
  • National Police: 091
  • Fire: 080 or 085 (varies by region)
  • Maritime Rescue (Salvamento Marítimo): 900 202 202 or VHF CH 16
  • VHF Emergency Broadcast: CH 16

Man Overboard (MOB)

Critical Actions

Act immediately. Every second counts in man overboard situations.

Immediate Actions

  1. Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" - Alert all crew immediately
  2. Throw flotation device - Life ring, cushion, or anything that floats
  3. Assign spotter - Designate one person to point continuously at the person in the water
  4. Press MOB button on GPS/chartplotter
  5. Note time and conditions

Recovery Procedure

Under Power:

  1. Turn boat toward person in water immediately
  2. Approach from downwind
  3. Stop boat alongside person with engine in neutral
  4. Turn off engine when person is alongside
  5. Use boarding ladder or throw rope with bowline
  6. If person cannot climb aboard, use halyard or other lifting system

Under Sail:

  1. Tack or gybe immediately to turn back
  2. Start engine
  3. Drop sails if possible
  4. Proceed under power for recovery

After Recovery

  • Treat for hypothermia (remove wet clothes, wrap in blankets, warm drinks)
  • Monitor for shock
  • Seek medical attention
  • Log incident with time, position, and circumstances

Fire

Fire Priority

If fire cannot be quickly controlled, prepare to abandon ship. Never risk lives to save the boat.

General Fire Response

  1. Shout "FIRE" - Alert all crew
  2. Assess location and severity
  3. Cut off fuel source if possible
  4. Close hatches to starve fire of oxygen if safe to do so
  5. Use appropriate extinguisher - fight fire from upwind
  6. Prepare to abandon ship if fire spreads
  7. Make MAYDAY call if fire cannot be controlled

Engine Room Fire

  1. Shut down engines immediately
  2. Close fuel shut-off valves
  3. Turn off battery switches if safe to do so
  4. DO NOT open engine compartment - this provides oxygen to the fire
  5. Discharge fixed fire suppression system if equipped
  6. Use engine room fire ports to direct extinguisher without opening main access
  7. Monitor for re-ignition
  8. Prepare to abandon ship if fire cannot be controlled

Engine Compartment

Opening the engine compartment during a fire provides oxygen and can cause a backdraft. Use fire ports or fixed suppression system.

Galley Fire

Stovetop Fire:

  1. Turn off gas/fuel supply at source
  2. DO NOT use water on oil/grease fires
  3. Use fire blanket to smother flame
  4. Use appropriate extinguisher if fire spreads
  5. Ensure fire is completely out - check for hot spots

Oven/Stove Fire:

  1. Turn off gas supply
  2. Keep oven door closed to starve fire of oxygen
  3. Stand by with extinguisher
  4. Monitor until completely extinguished

Electrical Fire

  1. Cut power at source - battery switch or breaker
  2. Use CO2 or dry powder extinguisher (never water)
  3. Do not restore power until fault is identified and repaired

Flooding

Immediate Response

  1. Identify source of water
  2. Alert all crew
  3. Start bilge pumps - all available pumps
  4. Assign crew to manual pumping if needed
  5. Locate and stop the leak if possible

Leak Below Waterline

  1. Stuff leak with cloth, cushions, or bedding
  2. Use collision mat over hull exterior if possible
  3. Wedge or shore temporary patch from inside
  4. Close seacocks if leak is from through-hull
  5. Continue pumping
  6. Make PAN PAN call if leak cannot be controlled
  7. Prepare to abandon ship if flooding continues

Through-Hull Failure

  1. Close seacock immediately
  2. Stuff with soft wooden plug or emergency plug
  3. Wrap with rubber and hose clamps
  4. Monitor closely

After Flooding is Controlled

  • Continue monitoring bilge levels
  • Inspect repair regularly
  • Head for nearest safe harbor
  • Consider professional hull survey

Grounding

Tidal Considerations

The response to grounding depends critically on whether the tide is rising or falling.

Initial Assessment

  1. Note time and tidal state - is tide rising or falling?
  2. Check for damage - inspect hull, through-hulls, keel
  3. Check bilges for water ingress
  4. Assess sea conditions - is weather deteriorating?
  5. Check depth around boat using lead line or dinghy

Grounding on Rising Tide

With rising tide, you have time to carefully work free:

  1. Reduce weight - shift crew, water, and gear away from grounded area
  2. Heel boat - use halyard to dinghy or kedge anchor to reduce draft
  3. Wait for tide to lift boat
  4. Use engine carefully once buoyant - reverse away slowly
  5. Do not force engine against hard grounding

Grounding on Falling Tide

Falling tide requires immediate action:

  1. Act immediately - you have limited time before boat is firmly aground
  2. Attempt to power off - full throttle in reverse (if undamaged)
  3. Heel boat aggressively - all crew to one side, use halyard to dinghy
  4. Lay kedge anchor - use dinghy to place anchor in deep water
  5. Winch boat toward kedge while powering in reverse
  6. If unable to free boat:
  7. Prepare for extended grounding
  8. Secure boat to prevent rolling
  9. Consider laying anchor to windward to prevent being driven further aground
  10. Make PAN PAN call for tow assistance
  11. Monitor boat as tide falls

If Boat Will Be High and Dry

  1. Secure boat with multiple anchors to prevent rolling
  2. Pad hull where it contacts bottom
  3. Remove crew if unsafe to remain aboard
  4. Wait for next high tide
  5. Monitor weather - deteriorating conditions require different response

After Refloating

  • Thoroughly inspect hull for damage
  • Check all through-hulls and seacocks
  • Monitor bilges closely
  • Seek professional survey if hard impact occurred

Collision

Immediate Actions

  1. Check for injuries - attend to crew first
  2. Assess damage - inspect point of impact thoroughly
  3. Check bilges - is boat taking on water?
  4. Exchange information with other vessel if involved
  5. Take photographs of damage
  6. Note time, position, conditions

If Taking on Water

  1. Follow flooding procedures (see Flooding section above)
  2. Make PAN PAN or MAYDAY call depending on severity
  3. Prepare to abandon ship if damage is severe

Collision with Submerged Object

  1. Assess damage immediately
  2. Check for propeller damage - unusual vibration indicates damage
  3. Inspect rudder and steering
  4. Monitor bilges closely
  5. Reduce speed and head for harbor if damage is minor

Reporting Requirements

  • Report all collisions to maritime authorities
  • Document all details for insurance purposes
  • Obtain witness statements if available
  • Do not admit fault at the scene

Loss of Propulsion

Engine Failure

  1. Attempt restart following normal procedures
  2. Check fuel supply - fuel valves open, sufficient fuel
  3. Check cooling water - overheating can cause shutdown
  4. Check for obvious problems - loose wires, leaks, alarms
  5. Deploy anchor if in dangerous location
  6. Raise sails if conditions permit
  7. Make PAN PAN call if unable to resolve and in dangerous location

Propeller Fouling

Common cause: rope or line wrapped around propeller.

  1. Stop engine immediately - do not attempt to power through
  2. Shift to neutral
  3. Inspect propeller - use mask and snorkel if necessary
  4. Cut away fouling - use knife, careful of hands near prop
  5. Check shaft and seal after clearing

Propeller Safety

Always ensure engine is OFF and in neutral before anyone goes near the propeller.

Medical Emergencies

Serious Injury or Illness

  1. Provide first aid from ship's medical kit
  2. Make PAN PAN or MAYDAY call depending on severity
  3. Request medical advice via radio
  4. Arrange evacuation if necessary - helicopter or fast boat
  5. Prepare helicopter landing area if applicable:
  6. Clear foredeck
  7. Remove or secure loose items
  8. Brief crew on helicopter safety

Calling for Medical Evacuation

Provide the following information: - Nature of injury/illness - Patient's age and gender - Vital signs if known - Treatment provided so far - Boat's position and ability to make way - Weather and sea conditions

Gas Leak

LPG (Cooking Gas) Leak

  1. Turn off gas at bottle immediately
  2. Extinguish all flames and smoking materials
  3. Do not operate electrical switches - can cause spark
  4. Ventilate thoroughly - open hatches, ports, and companionway
  5. Check bilges - LPG is heavier than air and sinks
  6. Use bilge blower if safe to do so
  7. Locate leak using soapy water (bubbles indicate leak)
  8. Do not use gas system until leak is repaired
  9. Evacuate boat if leak cannot be controlled

LPG Hazard

LPG is heavier than air and accumulates in bilges where it can be ignited by bilge pump switches. Ventilate thoroughly before operating any electrical equipment.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by engines and generators. It is deadly.

Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Response

  1. Move victim to fresh air immediately
  2. Shut down engine/generator
  3. Ventilate boat thoroughly
  4. Provide oxygen if available
  5. Call for medical assistance - make PAN PAN or MAYDAY call
  6. Monitor victim - be prepared to perform CPR
  7. Seek immediate medical attention - CO poisoning requires hospital treatment

Prevention

  • Never run engine or generator with poor ventilation
  • Never run generator with stern cabin doors/windows open
  • Install and maintain CO detectors
  • Keep exhaust systems properly maintained

De-Masting

If Mast Falls

  1. Ensure crew safety - stay clear of rigging
  2. Cut away rigging if mast is alongside and endangering hull
  3. Recover mast if possible - secure alongside or bring aboard
  4. If mast cannot be recovered:
  5. Cut free to prevent hull damage
  6. Mark position with floating marker
  7. Use engine for propulsion
  8. Make PAN PAN call to alert other vessels
  9. Proceed to nearest harbor under power

Jury Rigging

If mast remains partially standing or a jury rig is possible: - Use spinnaker pole or boom as temporary mast - Rig emergency sail from available canvas - Proceed cautiously to harbor

Steering Failure

Immediate Actions

  1. Attempt to steer with emergency tiller (if equipped)
  2. Check steering system - broken cable, hydraulic leak, loose components
  3. Use engine for steering - vary power between engines on twin-engine vessels
  4. Rig emergency steering using drogue or buckets astern
  5. Make PAN PAN call if unable to steer safely
  6. Request tow if necessary

Jury Steering Systems

  • Attach lines to rudder post and lead to winches
  • Use spinnaker pole as steering oar
  • Trail drogue or buckets to provide directional control

Marine Stingers (Jellyfish)

Dangerous Species

Box Jellyfish and Irukandji are potentially deadly. Box jellyfish season is typically November to May in tropical waters.

Prevention

  • Wear protective clothing (stinger suits) when swimming in season
  • Avoid swimming at dawn/dusk in stinger season
  • Stay alert for warning signs

Treatment for Stings

Box Jellyfish:

  1. Call for help immediately - potential medical emergency
  2. Pour vinegar liberally over sting area - this inactivates stinging cells
  3. Do not rub area
  4. Remove tentacles carefully with stick or gloved hand
  5. Treat for shock
  6. Seek immediate medical attention - call for evacuation if severe
  7. Be prepared to perform CPR

Other Jellyfish:

  1. Pour vinegar over sting area
  2. Remove tentacles carefully
  3. Apply cold pack or ice (after vinegar treatment)
  4. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen

Vinegar First

Always use vinegar first for tropical jellyfish stings. Keep multiple bottles of vinegar in first aid kit during stinger season.

Abandon Ship

Abandoning ship is a last resort when the boat is sinking, on fire beyond control, or in imminent danger of breaking up.

When to Abandon

  • Uncontrolled fire
  • Uncontrolled flooding
  • Boat breaking up in severe weather
  • Immediate danger of sinking

Last Resort

Never abandon ship until it is absolutely necessary. Many sailors have died after abandoning boats that remained afloat. Step UP into the life raft - only abandon when the boat is sinking beneath you.

Abandon Ship Procedure

  1. Make MAYDAY call - give position and number of persons on board
  2. Activate EPIRB - ensure it is transmitting
  3. Put on life jackets - all crew
  4. Gather:
  5. EPIRB (if not already activated)
  6. Handheld VHF radio
  7. Flares
  8. Water and food
  9. First aid kit
  10. Warm clothing/blankets
  11. Flashlight
  12. Launch life raft - secure painter before inflating
  13. Board life raft - strong swimmers last
  14. Cut painter only when all aboard
  15. Deploy sea anchor to prevent drifting
  16. Fire flares if rescue vessel in sight
  17. Stay with life raft - do not attempt to swim to shore

In the Life Raft

  • Keep dry and warm
  • Ration water and food
  • Take anti-seasickness medication
  • Keep lookout
  • Fire flares when aircraft or vessels sighted
  • Maintain hope - rescue will come

After Any Emergency

Documentation

  • Log all details: time, position, actions taken, outcome
  • Take photographs of damage
  • Collect witness statements
  • Preserve evidence for investigation

Notification

  • Notify insurance company as soon as practical
  • Report to maritime authorities as required
  • Notify marina or harbor master if proceeding to harbor

Debriefing

  • Review emergency response as a crew
  • Identify what went well and what could be improved
  • Update emergency procedures based on lessons learned
  • Service or replace used emergency equipment