Emergency Quick Reference

Step-by-step action cards for the most critical emergencies at sea. These are not substitutes for training — practice these procedures regularly with your crew so they become instinct.

Man Overboard (MOB)

1
Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" and point continuously at the person in the water
2
Press MOB button on GPS/plotter to mark the position
3
Throw lifebuoy, danbuoy, and anything that floats toward the casualty
4
Assign one crew member as dedicated spotter — they point at the MOB at all times
5
Start engine (if under sail) and keep propeller clear of the casualty
6
Execute a turn to return: reach–tack–reach approach or Williamson turn in poor visibility
7
Approach slowly from downwind so the boat drifts toward the person
8
Make contact — use a throwing line, boarding ladder, or sail as a recovery sling
9
Get the casualty horizontal (not vertical) to avoid post-rescue collapse
10
Treat for hypothermia: dry clothes, warmth, warm sweet drinks if conscious
11
Call Mayday if you cannot recover the person, or Pan Pan if you need assistance

Recovery Manoeuvres

Fire on Board

1
Alert all crew — shout "FIRE" and state the location
2
If galley fire: turn off gas at bottle, smother with fire blanket
3
If engine fire: shut down engine, close engine ventilation, use CO2 or dry powder extinguisher through the intake, do NOT open the engine compartment fully
4
If electrical fire: isolate battery switch, use CO2 extinguisher — never use water
5
Point extinguisher at the base of the flames, sweep side to side
6
Ensure all crew are wearing lifejackets
7
Prepare life raft and grab bag in case fire cannot be controlled
8
Move the boat so smoke blows away from crew (alter course if possible)
9
Send Mayday if fire is out of control
10
After extinguishing: ventilate thoroughly, watch for re-ignition for at least 30 minutes

Extinguisher Selection

Flooding / Hull Breach

1
Start bilge pumps immediately — electric and manual
2
Find the source: check through-hulls, hose connections, stern gland, keel bolts
3
Close all seacocks near the leak if possible
4
Plug the breach — use softwood bungs (should be tied to every seacock), towels, cushions, or a collision mat
5
Reduce water pressure: slow the boat, heel away from the breach if below waterline
6
All crew into lifejackets
7
Send Mayday if flooding is uncontrollable, or Pan Pan for assistance
8
Prepare life raft and grab bag
9
Keep pumping — a boat that is still floating is always better than a life raft

Grounding

1
Stop engines immediately to protect propeller and rudder
2
Check bilges for water ingress — grounding can breach the hull
3
Check tide state: if rising, you may float off; if falling, act fast
4
Try reversing off under engine, exactly the way you came in
5
Reduce draft: heel the boat using the boom as a lever, move crew weight, kedge an anchor out to deeper water and winch off
6
If stuck on a falling tide: secure the boat so it settles safely (fenders and anchor to control heel direction)
7
Call for tow assistance if needed — agree salvage terms BEFORE accepting a line
8
Once free, check hull, rudder, and keel thoroughly before continuing passage

Medical Emergency

1
Ensure scene safety — do not become a second casualty
2
DR-ABC: check Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
3
If unresponsive and not breathing: start CPR — 30 compressions, 2 breaths
4
Send for the first aid kit and AED if available
5
Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and elevation
6
For suspected spinal injury: minimise movement, stabilise the head
7
Contact the Coastguard on Ch 16 for medical advice (MEDICO service)
8
Pan Pan if you need medical evacuation or diversion to nearest port
9
Monitor and reassess — record vital signs every 15 minutes
10
Keep the casualty warm, comfortable, and reassured

Mayday Call

"MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY"

"This is [vessel name x3]"

"MAYDAY [vessel name]"

"My position is [lat/long or bearing & distance from landmark]"

"I am [nature of distress — sinking, fire, MOB...]"

"I require [immediate assistance]"

"There are [number] persons on board"

"Over"

Use when there is grave and imminent danger to the vessel or persons and immediate assistance is required. Channel 16.

Pan Pan Call

"PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN"

"All stations all stations all stations"

"This is [vessel name x3]"

"My position is [lat/long or bearing & distance]"

"I have [nature of urgency — engine failure, medical, dismasted...]"

"I require [type of assistance]"

"[number] persons on board"

"Over"

Use for urgent situations that do not involve immediate danger to life or vessel — e.g. engine failure, medical concern, loss of steering. Channel 16.

Tip: Print this page and keep it in your nav station or grab bag.