Riding A Sinking Boat: Wise Or Otherwise?

Riding a sinking boat down is a terrible idea. A sinking boat is an emergency, and the first step is recognition. Too often, captains get caught up trying to save the boat, and they fail to get a mayday call off before the batteries or antenna are submerged. It is important to know what to do and how to handle the situation. If you haven't already, put on that life jacket. You're about to enter the water with whatever you can grab in the cockpit on your way off the transom.

What to do if your boat is taking on water

If your boat is taking on water, the first thing to do is to ensure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket. It is also important to request assistance from the Coast Guard or other authorities as soon as possible. Make sure your bilge pumps are working and operational, and then take action to remove the accumulating water.

If you are close to shore or able to communicate via radio or phone, contact the nearest maritime assistance service. If you are unable to get help, try to identify the leak and slow the flow of water. You can use emergency water pumps to help pump water out of the boat. If you are unsure how to use them, ask the Coast Guard for instructions.

To prevent water from entering your boat, avoid overloading the vessel and keep the bow pointed into the waves. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help to reduce the chances of your boat sinking. Check for any cracks in the hull, and make sure all fittings are in good condition and properly connected.

If your boat is rapidly sinking, it may be necessary to abandon ship. Make a distress call on your VHF radio and use any visual distress signals you have. Launch your life raft and board it with your ditch bag and any other supplies. If you don't have a life raft, you may need to tread water or simply float until help arrives.

How to prevent your boat from sinking at the dock

Regular maintenance and inspections

The best way to prevent your boat from sinking at the dock is to perform regular maintenance and inspections. This includes checking all below-waterline fittings, hoses, and hose clamps, as well as the bilge pump and float switch. It is also important to inspect the sterndrive bellows annually and replace them every 3-5 years, as well as keeping track of your pump. A bilge pump counter can help you monitor how often the pump has been running, and a bilge alarm will warn you if the water level is rising.

Proper winterizing

Winterizing your boat is crucial to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures. Be sure to use antifreeze in engine raw-water systems, strainers, and freshwater systems, and replace the gear lube. Batteries can also be affected by cold temperatures, so it's important to check them regularly during winter.

Good dock-line technique

Knowing the range between high and low tide is important to leave enough slack in the lines and allow the boat to stay centered and level. Long lines set at shallow angles, spring lines, and crossed stern lines are recommended to prevent the boat from being trapped under the dock.

Weight distribution

Be careful when adding weight to the boat, as this can cause scuppers or freeing ports to sink below the waterline, allowing water to enter the boat instead of draining out.

Proper hatch sealing

Hatches should have good, watertight gaskets and be able to be dogged down to prevent rainwater from entering the bilge and overwhelming the bilge pump.

Regular visits

Visiting your boat regularly, especially during rainy seasons, can help you catch any issues before they become bigger problems. Checking for water ingress and ensuring the bilge pump is functioning properly are important steps to take during these visits.

Closing seacocks

Closing the seacocks when you leave the boat can prevent a lot of problems, especially if your boat has a seawater-flush toilet. It is also a good idea to close all seacocks when you leave the boat to locate and identify any potential issues.

Proper use of bilge pumps

While bilge pumps are important, they should not be relied upon to keep a boat afloat indefinitely. They are meant to buy time to fix the problem of water getting into the bilge in the first place.

What to do if your boat is sinking offshore at night

If your boat is sinking offshore at night, the most important thing is to stay calm and not panic. Here are some steps you can take to handle the situation:

Put on Life Jackets

Ensure that you and everyone else on the boat put on your life jackets. It is important to put your own jacket on first before assisting others. Make sure that the life jackets fit properly, especially if there are children on board.

Make a Distress Call

Use your emergency VHF radio to contact the coast guard. Clearly and slowly provide your exact location, the name of your vessel, the number of people on board, and a description of the emergency. Wait about 10 seconds for a reply, and if you don't get one, repeat your distress call.

Send Visual Distress Signals

All boats are required to carry visual distress flares that can be seen at night. Send up these flares to signal for help.

Locate and Address the Issue

Try to find the cause of your boat sinking, which is usually a leak or a hole. Use old towels, seat cushions, spare clothes, or other materials on board to plug the leak and slow down the flooding. If there is a burst hose, check if you can close the seacock to prevent further water intake.

Use Bilge and Crash Pumps

As a last resort, you can disconnect the engine's intake hose and drop it into the bilge to reduce the water levels. Remember to throttle back to prevent engine overheating.

Head Towards Shore

Regardless of how far offshore you are, start making your way back to land. Get as close to the shore as possible while avoiding high surf and large jagged rocks. If necessary, beach your boat to prevent it from completely sinking.

Take Necessary Supplies

When it's time to evacuate, don't forget to grab important supplies such as the emergency radio, a cell phone, food, and water. Keep these supplies in waterproof bags to protect them from water damage.

How to prepare for a sinking boat

One of the worst things that can happen when you're out on a boat is for it to start taking on water or even worse, to capsize. There are many things that can go wrong when you're out on the water, and it's important to know what to do and how to handle the situation. Here are some life-saving tips that can help you deal with a sinking boat:

• Get everyone into a life jacket: Ensure that everyone on board has a securely fitted life jacket. It's important to put your own life jacket on first before helping anyone else. Make sure there are enough life jackets on the boat for everyone, including appropriately sized life jackets for children.
• Put in a distress call: Every boat should be equipped with an emergency VHF radio. When making your distress call, speak clearly and slowly. Announce the name of your vessel, your coordinates, and a description of the emergency. It's also a good idea to give a description of your watercraft. After making the radio distress call, send up visual distress signals if possible. All boats are required to carry visual distress flares that can be seen at night.
• Try to stop the leak: If you're not sinking due to a crashing wave, there is likely a leak. Use old towels, seat cushions, or extra clothes to plug a leak in the hull. Depending on the type of boat you have and the location of the leak, you can try to tilt the hole above the water by moving everyone and everything to the opposite side. This can slow down or even prevent additional flooding. If you discover a burst hose, check if you can close the seacock to prevent more water from flooding the deck.
• Use bilge and crash pumps: As a last resort, you can disconnect the engine's intake hose and drop it into the bilge to reduce the water levels. Remember to throttle back to prevent the engine from overheating. Make sure you have thoroughly read your owner's manual before operating the boat.
• Head towards the shore: Regardless of how far offshore you are, start making your way back to land. Get as close to the shore as possible, avoiding high surf and large jagged rocks that could make the situation worse. If possible, it's better to beach your boat than to let it completely sink.
• Take necessary supplies: When it's time to abandon the boat, don't forget to take some important supplies with you. If possible, grab the emergency radio, a cell phone, food, and water. Keep waterproof bags on board to protect your supplies.

Additionally, to prevent leaks and cracks in the hull, perform regular maintenance on your boat. Properly store your boat out of the water on a boat lift when it's not in use. During periods of prolonged inactivity, such as the off-season, winterize and store your boat indoors. Regularly check the hull for any corrosion or possible cracks that can be quickly addressed.

What to do if your boat collides with an unseen object

Riding a sinking boat down is not a good idea. While it is a myth that a sinking ship creates a suction that pulls people down with it, the large volume of air escaping from the ship as it sinks turns the water above into an aerated froth. This makes it impossible to swim in the froth, and people end up falling into the water instead.

If your boat collides with an unseen object, here's what you should do:

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:

• Avoid panicking and try to keep the boat under control. Wild throttle and rudder applications could lead to further collisions.
• Check if anyone on your boat or the other party's boat has been hurt. Ensure the safety of all involved.
• Contact the marina or harbour control to let them know about the incident and your intentions.

Inspect for Damage:

• Check if your boat has been holed below the waterline and is taking on water. If it is, arrange for emergency pumping and lift out as soon as possible.
• Inspect the hull, keel, rudder, and other underwater appendages for any signs of damage.

Gather Information and Evidence:

• Look for independent witnesses who may have seen the incident and capture their contact details. Witnesses can provide valuable statements to support your position.
• Take photos or videos of the damage to your boat and the other vessel involved. Capture images showing the general condition of the other boat and any relevant features, such as inadequate mooring lines.

Communicate and Cooperate:

• Visit the other party's vessel to check their situation and offer assistance if needed. Advise them to check for any leaks and arrange a time to exchange insurance details and contact information.
• Report the incident to the harbour or marina office, and obtain the contact details of the other vessel's owner if it was unattended.
• Depending on local regulations, you may need to report the incident to the local maritime police or coast guard.

Contact Your Insurance Provider:

Notify your yacht insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. They will provide useful advice and may appoint a local surveyor to assess the damage and provide support.

Remember to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved and properly handle the situation in case of a collision with an unseen object.

Frequently asked questions