Whether you've had an emergency on the water or simply imagined one, the single most important thing to get when life or property is in danger is attention: from other boaters, the Coast Guard/law enforcement, or perhaps a commercial towing service. How are you set up get attention if you're in trouble? What do you think would be the most effective way to get help? Flares? Airborne or handheld? Smoke? VHF radio? Flags? What about a good old fashioned yell? If you've run into trouble, what has -- or hasn't -- worked for you? Describe your attention-getting antics here, then vote in the Quick quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Hmmm... some thoughts
Here in Vancouver BC because of the idiots on the water shooting off flares to see the "fire works" flares are pretty much ignored by everyone - kind of like the car anti-theft alarm going off in the city - does anyone care any more? The very best is Epirbs followed by VHS DSC on channel 70. As you sail up to Alaska from Vancouver, and especially if "off" season, you can be further away than the VHS can reach. When it comes to safety and being ex-Navy, I'm of the persuasion that having the best is the only way to go. There is a reason why ships have what they have for safety. So GPS plugged into VHF, with a GPS/charter plotter enhanced with radar. I once went on a solo hike with "discount" mountain boots on. At the top of the mountain, one boot "blew out." You can imagine my predicament; do you think at that point I cared that I had saved money by purchasing a cheaper boot? My predicaments in the past have happened with other boaters around so I was able to signal for help. In fact, one rescue boat said they almost didn't come because I looked too calm. My worst predicament happened when I took a new couple boating on an evening sail out in Vancouver harbour. As it turned dark, water started filling up in the boat. The electrical bilge wouldn't work and when I used the manual bilge, the handle snapped in two. So for a while it was a mad motor sail back to the Royal Vancouver yacht Club, hoping to arrive before the boat completely sank. Turns out a year early the boat had hit a rock. It was hauled out to make sure the keel and hull were alright, and at the time the rudder looked fine as well. Through the hull bolts held the rudder on and they apparently had been loosened up in the collision. It wasn't for a year until a number of them, all at the same time, loosened up and fell off. Latter at the dock, tying the boat up as it was sinking, we found the holes in the dark when the night watchmen went below with his flashlight. The light shone through the holes, he hadn't done that, it would have taken ages to figure out what went wrong.
Here in Vancouver BC because of the idiots on the water shooting off flares to see the "fire works" flares are pretty much ignored by everyone - kind of like the car anti-theft alarm going off in the city - does anyone care any more? The very best is Epirbs followed by VHS DSC on channel 70. As you sail up to Alaska from Vancouver, and especially if "off" season, you can be further away than the VHS can reach. When it comes to safety and being ex-Navy, I'm of the persuasion that having the best is the only way to go. There is a reason why ships have what they have for safety. So GPS plugged into VHF, with a GPS/charter plotter enhanced with radar. I once went on a solo hike with "discount" mountain boots on. At the top of the mountain, one boot "blew out." You can imagine my predicament; do you think at that point I cared that I had saved money by purchasing a cheaper boot? My predicaments in the past have happened with other boaters around so I was able to signal for help. In fact, one rescue boat said they almost didn't come because I looked too calm. My worst predicament happened when I took a new couple boating on an evening sail out in Vancouver harbour. As it turned dark, water started filling up in the boat. The electrical bilge wouldn't work and when I used the manual bilge, the handle snapped in two. So for a while it was a mad motor sail back to the Royal Vancouver yacht Club, hoping to arrive before the boat completely sank. Turns out a year early the boat had hit a rock. It was hauled out to make sure the keel and hull were alright, and at the time the rudder looked fine as well. Through the hull bolts held the rudder on and they apparently had been loosened up in the collision. It wasn't for a year until a number of them, all at the same time, loosened up and fell off. Latter at the dock, tying the boat up as it was sinking, we found the holes in the dark when the night watchmen went below with his flashlight. The light shone through the holes, he hadn't done that, it would have taken ages to figure out what went wrong.
Several things
I wear a small EPRIB on my lifejacket. Whistle is tied to thrown life ring. 50-foot throw rope in a bag is handy. Try to keep everyone in the cockpit. In spring and fall, lifejackets for all. For me solo, thethered to jackline mid-boat.
I wear a small EPRIB on my lifejacket. Whistle is tied to thrown life ring. 50-foot throw rope in a bag is handy. Try to keep everyone in the cockpit. In spring and fall, lifejackets for all. For me solo, thethered to jackline mid-boat.
Habit rules
Going to my VHF in the event of trouble is probably my first course of action. There are going to be other things I will do, but thr radio is what force of habit will have me do first. Bill on STARGAZER
Going to my VHF in the event of trouble is probably my first course of action. There are going to be other things I will do, but thr radio is what force of habit will have me do first. Bill on STARGAZER
Cell Phone anyone?
I understand it would depend on where you are. In the SF Bay, you can dial direct to TowBoat and the Coast Guard, or just stab 911. If I was incapacitated, would my guests know how to use the VHF? I'm sure they can use a phone.
I understand it would depend on where you are. In the SF Bay, you can dial direct to TowBoat and the Coast Guard, or just stab 911. If I was incapacitated, would my guests know how to use the VHF? I'm sure they can use a phone.
Call for help
Maybe the answer to this question depends somewhat where you are. For example here in the Lake Ponchatrain area there is a lot of Coastie presence, plus the sherrifs office has a boat out most of the time during the summer. Sheriffs office will also tow you home for free, if you live in the parish. So for me the VHF would be first thing to try. Cell phone would be second. After that, not sure. Flares I guess.
Maybe the answer to this question depends somewhat where you are. For example here in the Lake Ponchatrain area there is a lot of Coastie presence, plus the sherrifs office has a boat out most of the time during the summer. Sheriffs office will also tow you home for free, if you live in the parish. So for me the VHF would be first thing to try. Cell phone would be second. After that, not sure. Flares I guess.
SOS
On our boat we have DSC w/ GPS connected to the VHF radio. We also have handheld flares, cell phones (2), and winch handles that we can bang on the boom or mast, and a bell. Tethers and jack lines are used always at night or on solo watch. When we go for longer than a day sail we file a float plan. We've only been sailing for about 2 years and have only had one incident - in 40 knot winds and 15 foot seas on the way home from Catalina the furling line (endless loop) snapped and I had to go to the mast and crank in the main. I used my cell phone then to call a friend for advice. Panic sets in swiftly so you need to work through it ASAP so you can take care of things. So...being prepared and keeping calm would probably be my best/first steps.
On our boat we have DSC w/ GPS connected to the VHF radio. We also have handheld flares, cell phones (2), and winch handles that we can bang on the boom or mast, and a bell. Tethers and jack lines are used always at night or on solo watch. When we go for longer than a day sail we file a float plan. We've only been sailing for about 2 years and have only had one incident - in 40 knot winds and 15 foot seas on the way home from Catalina the furling line (endless loop) snapped and I had to go to the mast and crank in the main. I used my cell phone then to call a friend for advice. Panic sets in swiftly so you need to work through it ASAP so you can take care of things. So...being prepared and keeping calm would probably be my best/first steps.
Not just attention, but the right attention
I think it's important to note that depending on the incident and the location, it may be prudent to NOT use a VHF so that you don't attract the wrong kind of attention. The possibility exists that an inexperienced operator may try help but in fact make things worse. I am quite sure that I would think twice before allowing just anyone to raft to my vessel...Cell phone dialing 911 is the way to go..Anyhow, just my opinion.
I think it's important to note that depending on the incident and the location, it may be prudent to NOT use a VHF so that you don't attract the wrong kind of attention. The possibility exists that an inexperienced operator may try help but in fact make things worse. I am quite sure that I would think twice before allowing just anyone to raft to my vessel...Cell phone dialing 911 is the way to go..Anyhow, just my opinion.
stuff can happen
We all know that S H {sierra hotel} ,(shit happens), can hit at anytime, that is why you should use all your safety gear that is at hand. Always check your vhf, with a raido check, keep those flares up to date, know how to fire those flares and use the fire extushier. make sure that you are not the only radio operator that knows how to figure out what the position of the boat is and how you should request help. Happy sailing... and be safe out there...
We all know that S H {sierra hotel} ,(shit happens), can hit at anytime, that is why you should use all your safety gear that is at hand. Always check your vhf, with a raido check, keep those flares up to date, know how to fire those flares and use the fire extushier. make sure that you are not the only radio operator that knows how to figure out what the position of the boat is and how you should request help. Happy sailing... and be safe out there...
Lake Pontchartrain
Nice N Easy I have a boat on Lake Pontchartrain in Slidell. Oak Harbor, would like to hear from you, I have a few questions I'd like to run by you. You can reach me off list at hparsons@parsonsys.com
Nice N Easy I have a boat on Lake Pontchartrain in Slidell. Oak Harbor, would like to hear from you, I have a few questions I'd like to run by you. You can reach me off list at hparsons@parsonsys.com
Radio Needed
I learned my lesson as to how important a radio was one day when I was using my brothers jet boat. The jet intake pulled in a piece of ploypro line that we didn't see until too late. We were only a mile from shore and in view of the Coast Guard doing helicopter drills with a rigid inflatible. Waving arms, flags, life jackets, even lighting a flare, did not get their attention. We tried to paddle to shore but a thunder storm came up and it blew us further away. Finally after two hours a person on the shore realized that we were likely in trouble and called the coast guard (No tow boat services in the area). Swimming, even slowly to shore was never an option, it was in Lake Superior with water temps that can cause hypothermia and cramping in just minutes. My hand held VHF, a fixed VHF, and my cell phone are always aboard our Mariner where ever we hit the water after that experience.
I learned my lesson as to how important a radio was one day when I was using my brothers jet boat. The jet intake pulled in a piece of ploypro line that we didn't see until too late. We were only a mile from shore and in view of the Coast Guard doing helicopter drills with a rigid inflatible. Waving arms, flags, life jackets, even lighting a flare, did not get their attention. We tried to paddle to shore but a thunder storm came up and it blew us further away. Finally after two hours a person on the shore realized that we were likely in trouble and called the coast guard (No tow boat services in the area). Swimming, even slowly to shore was never an option, it was in Lake Superior with water temps that can cause hypothermia and cramping in just minutes. My hand held VHF, a fixed VHF, and my cell phone are always aboard our Mariner where ever we hit the water after that experience.
Anybody there?
When hard aground after mistaking a mark in the shore clutter during a night 'sail from hell', raising TowBoatUS on the VHF wasn't happening. The cell phone worked, 'though. Depending on the waters and the emergency, the VHF is usually the first choice, followed by the cell phone; then the flares, either aerial or handheld; distress flag; strobe lights; air horn; and/or whistles (all of which are always on board and in working order. As always in sailing, it's important to be prepared, be calm, and have a Plan B (C, D...).
When hard aground after mistaking a mark in the shore clutter during a night 'sail from hell', raising TowBoatUS on the VHF wasn't happening. The cell phone worked, 'though. Depending on the waters and the emergency, the VHF is usually the first choice, followed by the cell phone; then the flares, either aerial or handheld; distress flag; strobe lights; air horn; and/or whistles (all of which are always on board and in working order. As always in sailing, it's important to be prepared, be calm, and have a Plan B (C, D...).
HELP!!!!!!!
I have a fixed VHF, handheld VHF, cellphone, flares, whistle, air horn and signal mirror.
I have a fixed VHF, handheld VHF, cellphone, flares, whistle, air horn and signal mirror.
heliographs are too cheap to not carry
Carry a mirror. Figure out how to aim it. It's solar powered, so it won't work all the time, but what does? It's cheap, light, small, and when the sun's out, it's an attention getter. Slightly convex is good - easier to aim.
Carry a mirror. Figure out how to aim it. It's solar powered, so it won't work all the time, but what does? It's cheap, light, small, and when the sun's out, it's an attention getter. Slightly convex is good - easier to aim.
Smoke Flares
A couple of years ago my friend and I were on going from Toronto to Cobourg on Lake Ontario when we heard a mayday on the VHF. We realized from their position that we were about the same longitude but they were several miles closer to shore. So we started scanning the boats closer to shore but couldn't tell which one the one in distress even though they had set off a couple of aerial flares. Someone closer was responding to their mayday but they couldn't tell which boat it was either. The boat in distress then set off a smoke flare and the red smoke made them stand out like a sore thumb even from several miles away. The boat was given assistance, can't remember exactly what it was. Decided then I would carry some smoke flares even though they are more expensive than the aerial ones.
A couple of years ago my friend and I were on going from Toronto to Cobourg on Lake Ontario when we heard a mayday on the VHF. We realized from their position that we were about the same longitude but they were several miles closer to shore. So we started scanning the boats closer to shore but couldn't tell which one the one in distress even though they had set off a couple of aerial flares. Someone closer was responding to their mayday but they couldn't tell which boat it was either. The boat in distress then set off a smoke flare and the red smoke made them stand out like a sore thumb even from several miles away. The boat was given assistance, can't remember exactly what it was. Decided then I would carry some smoke flares even though they are more expensive than the aerial ones.
If you haven't run aground you ain't been sailin
In the chesapeake bay you can run aground without trying. I fitted the largest propeller my engine can drive. When I run aground I immediately go full astern, drop all sails. Hang on the lee shrouds , walk the boat from stem to stern and then check the tide tables. I always sail and motor with extra care at ebb tide I am not too concerned if I hit the ground on a flood tide but I keep the engine in gear and the boat pointed towards deeper water.
In the chesapeake bay you can run aground without trying. I fitted the largest propeller my engine can drive. When I run aground I immediately go full astern, drop all sails. Hang on the lee shrouds , walk the boat from stem to stern and then check the tide tables. I always sail and motor with extra care at ebb tide I am not too concerned if I hit the ground on a flood tide but I keep the engine in gear and the boat pointed towards deeper water.
run aground HA!
the very day I brought brand new boat home, a H-260, I tied it to the mooring and wouldnt you know the shackle on the mooring line had a rough edge, so later that evening I was called home to push my boat off the shore, well I pushed it off after swearing profusly for a few minutes LOL Brad
the very day I brought brand new boat home, a H-260, I tied it to the mooring and wouldnt you know the shackle on the mooring line had a rough edge, so later that evening I was called home to push my boat off the shore, well I pushed it off after swearing profusly for a few minutes LOL Brad
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