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How to Respond to Boating Emergencies: Fire, Man Overboard, and Taking on Water
  • By Capt. Ben Haddadnia
  • 30 May 2025

How to Respond to Boating Emergencies: Fire, Man Overboard, and Taking on Water

No one steps aboard expecting trouble—but seasoned mariners know that preparedness can make the difference between life and death. From sudden fires to a crewmember overboard or a boat taking on water, emergencies at sea demand swift, calm, and knowledgeable action.

At BoatnCrew.com, we’re dedicated to empowering boaters and crew with the skills and awareness needed to respond to the unexpected. Here’s how to handle the three most common boating emergencies like a pro.

🔥 Emergency 1: Fire Onboard


Causes:

  • Electrical faults
  • Fuel leaks
  • Engine malfunctions
  • Galley/kitchen accidents

Immediate Actions:

  1. Shout “Fire!” to alert the crew.
  2. Turn off the engine and fuel supply if possible.
  3. Use a fire extinguisher—aim at the base of the flames.
  • Know your extinguisher type (B-I, B-II) and location.
  1. Move away from the fire if it can’t be contained.
  2. Put on life jackets. Prepare to abandon ship if necessary.
  3. Make a MAYDAY call on VHF Channel 16: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday…”

🔥 Pro Tip: Never open engine hatches if you suspect an engine fire—it can fuel the flames with oxygen.

🚨 Emergency 2: Man Overboard (MOB)


Immediate Actions:

  1. Shout “Man Overboard!”
  2. Assign a spotter to keep constant visual contact.
  3. Throw flotation device immediately (Type IV throwable or lifering).
  4. Press MOB on your GPS/chartplotter if equipped to mark the location.
  5. Slow the boat and approach from downwind.
  6. Use a life sling, ladder, or rescue device to retrieve the person safely.
  7. Call for help if retrieval is difficult or person is unresponsive.

👥 Crew Drill Reminder: Practice MOB drills regularly, even in calm conditions. Every second counts.

💧 Emergency 3: Taking on Water (Flooding)


Causes:

  • Hull damage
  • Loose/broken thru-hull fittings
  • Failed bilge pump
  • Bad weather or rogue waves

Immediate Actions:

  1. Identify the source of the leak.
  • Check bilge, shaft seals, transom, seacocks.
  1. Use bilge pumps (automatic or manual) and buckets to slow the flooding.
  2. Try to plug or patch the leak.
  • Softwood plugs, rags, or emergency leak kits can help.
  1. Call a MAYDAY if you are in danger of sinking.
  2. Prepare to abandon ship if water cannot be controlled.

🚨 Must-Haves:

  • Emergency repair kit
  • Extra bilge pump or manual pump
  • Softwood plugs for thru-hulls

📻 Making a Distress Call (VHF Radio)

If you're in immediate danger, issue a MAYDAY call on VHF Channel 16:

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is [Your Boat Name], [Call Sign or Registration Number], [Location], [Nature of Emergency], [Number of People Onboard]. Over.”

If not life-threatening but you need help, use “Pan-Pan” instead of Mayday.

🧭 Final Safety Tips

  • Conduct safety drills with your crew—at least once a season.
  • Label all safety equipment locations clearly.
  • Keep an emergency grab bag ready (flares, VHF radio, EPIRB, water, first aid).
  • Never let guests board without a basic safety briefing.

⚓ Final Word from BoatnCrew.com

Boating emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye—but they don’t have to end in disaster. Preparation, training, and the right equipment are your first line of defense.

At BoatnCrew.com, we stand for smart, skilled, and safety-minded seamanship. Whether you're a seasoned captain or a new boater, make safety a routine—not a reaction.

Train hard. Boat smart. Stay safe.

— The BoatnCrew.com Team