Before you hit the water in your boat, it's a good idea to know how to call for help in a boat emergency. While the hope is an emergency never happens on the water, if one does happen, you should know what to do.
Calling for help should never be delayed as some emergencies are very time-sensitive. If you plan to spend time on the water, here are some of the ways you can call for help during a boating emergency.
Your Mobile Phone
Best way of all to call for help when you're dealing with a boating emergency is with your mobile phone. Call 9-1-1 like you should if you were not on the water. You may have another water rescue number you can all within your area, as well. Of course, Jax Boat Club Members simply call The Club Dock Line.
VHF Marine Radio
Of course, another of the first and best ways to call for help during a boat emergency is with a VHF marine radio. Specific channels are reserved for distress calls and the U.S. Coast Guard monitors these channels continuously.
If you plan to go out on the water this year, consider adding a hand held VHF marine radio to your “Go Boating” Bag so you always have one with you. These radios help to save lives and you don't need a license to operate them.
If you do need to call because of a boat emergency, Channel 16 is used as a distress channel. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, you can use Channel 16 and transmit, "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday," along with the name of your boat three times and your location. You will want to follow with the nature of your emergency and the type of assistance needed, as well.
Visual Distress Signals
Sometimes, you can call for help or at least alert others on the water of your emergency with visual distress signals. During the day, you can use an orange signal flag and orange smoke flares to signal an emergency. Place the flag as high as you possibly can on your boat and use the hand-held orange smoke flares during the day, as well.
At night, you will want to use red signal flares and the SOS electric signal lights. Put the SOS light as high on your boat as you possibly can. You can also use the red hand-held flares or aerial flares to signal an emergency when boating at night.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB
When you are offshore, an EPIRB or PLB gives you a distress beacon to help alert a search and rescue team of your location. The PLB is another item you might like to add to your “Go Boating” Bag.
During a boat emergency, you may not have much time to react. Make sure everybody on your boat knows what to do and how to call for help. Whether you plan to use a VHF radio, mobile phone, or other signals it's important to have a plan and make sure everybody on the boat understands the plan
Emergencies happen on the water and time will become vital. Whether someone falls overboard, an accident happens, or another type of emergency happens, getting help fast will make a difference. Have a plan and be prepared, just in case you're involved in a boating emergency.