Encountering emergencies while sailing

A sailing vacation can be a wonderful adventure, but being prepared for potential

sailing emergencies is crucial. Here are some common emergencies you may encounter and

how to deal with them:

1. Man Overboard

• What to Do:

o Shout "Man overboard!" and designate someone to keep visual contact.

o Press the MOB button on the GPS, if available.

o Throw a life ring or flotation device.

o Turn the boat around using a Williamson turn or a quick stop to head back

towards the person.

o Approach slowly, keeping the person on the windward side.

o Use a lifeline or rescue sling to pull them back onboard.

2. Bad Weather / Sudden Storms

• What to Do:

o Check the weather regularly and have a plan for unexpected changes.

o Reef the sails early if a storm is approaching.

o Secure loose items and make sure everyone is wearing life jackets.

o Head for safe harbor if possible, or position the boat to minimize the

impact of waves (e.g., sail at a 45-degree angle to the wind).

3. Grounding

• What to Do:

o Immediately shift to neutral to avoid damaging the propeller.

o Assess the tide; you may be able to refloat if the tide rises.

o Shift weight away from the grounding point.

o Use a kedge anchor (an anchor set in a direction away from the

grounding) to pull the boat off.

4. Engine Failure

• What to Do

o Check for common issues: fuel, cooling, and electrical systems.

o Ensure there are no obstructions in the propeller.

o Use your sails to head towards the nearest safe location.

o Call for assistance via VHF radio if needed, using Channel 16.

5. Leaking / Taking on Water

• What to Do:

o Locate the source of the leak (e.g., hull damage, leaking through-hull

fittings).

o Use bilge pumps or a manual pump to remove water.

o If the leak is small, use temporary sealing materials like collision mats,

epoxy putty, or wooden plugs.

o Call for help if the situation is beyond control, using the VHF radio.

6. Fire Onboard

• What to Do:

o Quickly determine if it's an electrical or fuel fire.

o Use an appropriate fire extinguisher (e.g., ABC for general fires or a CO2

extinguisher for electrical).

o Cut off the source of the fire, such as fuel or electricity.

o Ensure everyone is wearing life jackets and be prepared to abandon ship if

the fire cannot be controlled.

7. Medical Emergency

• What to Do:

o Always carry a well-stocked first aid kit.

o Assess the situation—control bleeding, stabilize injuries, or administer

CPR if necessary.

o Use VHF radio to contact emergency services or a nearby vessel for

assistance.

o Know basic first aid procedures, and consider taking a course before your

trip.

8. Rigging Failure

• What to Do:

o Assess the damage and secure any loose parts to prevent further damage

or injury.

o Jury-rig the mast or boom if possible using spare lines or equipment.

o Sail under reduced sail area or motor to a safe location for repairs.

9. Loss of Navigation (Electronic Failure)

• What to Do:

o Keep paper charts and a compass on board as backups.

o Try to identify landmarks, use depth readings, and observe surroundings

to estimate your location.

o Reduce speed and proceed cautiously if you are unsure of your exact

location.

10. Collision

• What to Do:

o Assess any injuries and the damage to the boat.

o Communicate with the other vessel to ensure everyone is safe.

o Try to prevent further damage, such as plugging holes or using fenders.

o Use your VHF radio to report the collision if significant damage occurred

or assistance is required.

General Safety Tips:

• VHF Radio Knowledge: Ensure you know how to use the VHF radio, especially

Channel 16, to call for help.

• Life Jackets: Ensure all passengers wear life jackets in risky conditions or at

night.

• First Aid: Be familiar with basic first aid techniques.

• Fire Extinguishers: Have enough fire extinguishers, and ensure everyone knows

where they are and how to use them.

• Practice Drills: Conduct practice drills for man overboard, fire, and other

emergencies.

Preparation, awareness, and quick action are key to handling emergencies effectively

on a sailing vacation. It's always better to have a plan and never need it than to need a

plan and not have one.