EMERGENCY GUIDES

What to do when it goes wrong at sea

Short, step-by-step guides for the emergencies boaters actually face — each step taken from RNLI, the coastguards and other official safety bodies, with the source linked. If a life is in danger: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or call the rescue number for your waters.

Person overboard: what to do
Shout “Man overboard!”, throw something that floats as close to the person as you can, and give one crew member the only job of pointing at …
Taking on water: what to do if your boat is leaking or sinking
Get everyone into lifejackets and raise the alarm. Find where the water is coming in, plug it if you can do so safely, and pump or bail. If …
Fire on board: what to do
Get everyone into lifejackets and send a MAYDAY. Shut off fuel and power to the fire, keep the engine hatch closed, and fight a small fire o…
Engine failure: what to do when you lose power
Get everyone into a lifejacket and look at where you are drifting. If you are drifting towards shore, rocks or shipping, drop the anchor to …
Ran aground? What to do
Check everyone for injuries, then check the hull and bilge for leaks. Turn off the engine rather than trying to motor off. If the boat is un…
Capsized small boat, kayak or SUP: what to do
Take a minute to get your breathing under control, then hold on to the boat or board. Stay with it: it keeps you afloat and is much easier f…
Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to do
Do not swim straight away. Lean back, keep your airway clear and float until the gasping and fast breathing pass, usually within a minute or…
Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to do
At the first sign of a storm, put lifejackets on everyone and head for port or the nearest safe shelter. If you can't get in, slow down, sec…
Fog and poor visibility on the water: what to do
As soon as fog closes in, fix your position, slow right down and switch on your navigation lights. Start sounding your fog signal, put extra…
How to send a DSC distress alert
Lift the cover over the red DISTRESS button and press and hold it until the radio confirms the alert has gone, usually more than 3 seconds. …

How to make a MAYDAY call → Sea safety glossary → Rescue map →