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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

BOATING EMERGENCIES

     Avoid emergencies on the water by ensuring that your boat and its equipment are well-maintained and you check the local weather forecast just before you plan to leave the dock.  A list of the minimum required equipment is available from the Canadian Coast Guard or obtain a copy of the Safe Boating Guide.

     If an emergency does occur, knowing how to communicate distress messages and request assistance can make the difference between life and death.  You may only get one chance to call for help.

Marine VHF Radio

     Marine VHF radio is generally the most effective and reliable means of issuing a distress alert.  If you have a VHF radio, keep it tuned to Channel 16.  Know where you are at all times and be prepared to describe your location accurately.

     On a regular VHF radio, in case of grave and imminent danger, (for example, your boat is taking on water and you are in danger of sinking or capsizing) use Channel 16 and repeat "Mayday", three times.  Then give the name of your vessel and its position, the nature of your problem and the type of assistance needed.     

Cellular Phone

     With a cellular phone, you can contact Rescue Coordination Centres directly or by dialing *16 for the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centres.

Distress Signals

     If you see a distress signal, you are required by law to determine whether you can assist those in distress without endangering your own life or safety of your vessel.

     Where possible you must also contact the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre to inform them of the type and location of the distress signal you have seen.

Recover a Person Overboard

     If someone falls overboard, sound the alarm immediately and then:

• Slow down, stop if possible and throw something buoyant to assist the person (this will also mark the spot if the person submerges).

• Assign one person to keep sight of the overboard person and have them continuously point to the victim's location.  

• Carefully maneuver to recover the overboard person.  Establish contact with the overboard person using a buoyant heaving line or life buoy secured to the boat with a line, and recover the person over the windward side.

     A heavy rope, chain or cable secured at both ends and draped over the side, almost touching the water, can provide a makeshift step.

     Sailors and power boaters should become familiar with various techniques for recovering a person overboard - consider how effectively the maneuver can be performed considering the sea state, additional crew duties and condition of the person overboard.

     The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that you learn a recovery technique that works and practice the technique.