Engine Failure: Boat Safety And Restarting Procedures

If your boat engine stops, the first thing to do is to stay calm and put on your life jacket if you haven't already. Check for any simple problems you might be able to repair on the water, such as the engine cut-off switch, common electrical problems, the battery connections, the fuel line, loose or broken belts, clogged intakes, or the boat and engine manual for additional troubleshooting guidance. If you're unable to identify the issue, you can try contacting a rescue service such as the U.S. Coast Guard or a commercial towing service. It's important to carry basic safety equipment, including an anchor, an oar, and a floating tow line, as well as emergency supplies like warm clothing, water, food, and a first aid kit. Additionally, having basic tools and spares can be helpful in addressing potential issues.

Check for common issues and attempt simple repairs

If your boat engine stops, there are several common issues you can check and attempt to repair. Firstly, check if your engine has overheated. If so, something may be blocking the water intake. Remove the blockage and give the engine time to cool down before restarting. Check the raw water outlet and ensure that there is a steady stream of used cooling water through the exhaust. If not, check the intake for any blockages. For outboard motors, the small intake at the base of the foot is particularly prone to getting clogged.

Another issue could be related to the spark plug wires. If they are cracked, it could lead to short circuits due to moisture in the air. Cover the cracked wires with duct tape to keep moisture out and prevent further damage.

If your engine is not starting, check the fuel line. Ensure that it is not disconnected or damaged. If the engine is starved for fuel, it may be due to issues with the quick-disconnect fittings, barbs, or hose clamps that attach the fuel line to the outboard. Squeeze the ball while observing these connections for any leaks or air being sucked in. If you identify a leak, seal it, and consider replacing the hose clamp or cutting off a section of the fuel line and re-attaching it.

If your engine stalls in neutral at idle, the issue could be a sticky or broken AIS (automatic idle speed) valve. This valve regulates idle speed by controlling air intake, and if it gets stuck, it can shut down the engine. The quick fix is to start with the throttle slightly advanced in neutral and bring it back to idle speed without pausing. Then, shift into idle and then directly into forward. While this may get the engine running, it is best to have the AIS valve cleaned or replaced as this issue tends to recur.

Finally, if your engine ran fine initially but then shut down and won't restart, check the ball in the fuel line. If it has collapsed, there may be a blockage in the fuel tank vent. If you have a portable fuel tank, ensure that the screw-type vent is open. For installed tanks, check the tank's vent for any blockages, such as mud wasp nests.

Drop anchor to stabilise your position

Dropping anchor is one of the first things you should do if your boat engine stops. Anchoring will stabilise your position and prevent you from drifting towards danger. It is important to act quickly and decisively to avoid being carried by currents or winds into a hazardous situation.

If you are in a channel, you should first manoeuvre out of it, if possible, to avoid obstructing other vessels. Once you have reached a safe location, drop your anchor. If you do not have an anchor on board, you can improvise by tying a line to a large bucket or, in a pinch, a duffle bag. Make sure the anchor has sufficient chain and line for your boat and the water conditions.

If you are in danger of running aground, you should still drop anchor. Even if the anchor does not immediately grab the seabed, it will slow your drift and buy you time to troubleshoot the issue.

While your boat's position is stabilised, you can begin to investigate the cause of the engine shutdown. Common causes include overheating, fuel starvation, clogged intakes, and blocked fuel vents.

Put on life jackets and prepare to signal for help

If your boat engine stops, it is important to remain calm and remember to put on your life jacket and prepare to signal for help. Life jackets are a crucial safety measure and can help keep you afloat and visible to rescuers in the event of an emergency. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:

• Donning Life Jackets: Ensure that you and all passengers on board put on life jackets if you aren't already wearing them. Life jackets are essential for your safety and can provide buoyancy and insulation if you end up in the water. They also make it easier for rescuers to spot you, especially if the jackets are bright or have reflective strips.
• Signalling for Help: There are several ways to signal for help, and it is important to use multiple methods to attract attention:

• Sound Signalling: Use a horn, whistle, or other audible devices to signal for help and warn other boats of your distress. This is especially important if you are in an area with other boaters nearby.
• Visual Signalling: Utilize visual distress signals such as flares, a bright water-resistant flashlight, a signalling mirror, or an orange distress flag. These are effective ways to grab the attention of other boaters or rescuers, especially during the day or in low-light conditions. Make sure to use flares strategically when other boats are likely to be in the area or when you spot them approaching.
• Radio Communication: If you have a VHF-FM marine radio, turn it on and tune it to Channel 16. This channel is designated for emergency communication, and you can use it to warn other boaters or call for help. Know how to convey essential information such as your position, the number of people on board, the nature of the distress, and a description of your vessel (make, length, colour, type, registration numbers, and boat name). If you don't have a radio, use your cell phone to communicate the same details to emergency services.

• Staying with the Boat: It is generally advisable to stay with the boat unless specifically instructed otherwise by emergency personnel. Do not abandon the boat unless it is unsafe or at risk of sinking. Boats can provide protection from the elements, make you more visible to rescuers, and help prevent hypothermia.
• Conserving Energy and Supplies: While waiting for help to arrive, conserve energy by minimizing unnecessary movement. Stay hydrated and ration any supplies you have, including food and water. If possible, prepare to catch rainwater or collect condensation to supplement your water supply.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority. By following these steps and remaining calm, you can effectively signal for help and increase your chances of a positive outcome in an emergency situation.

Communicate your distress to other boaters or emergency services

If your boat engine stops, it is important to communicate your distress to other boaters or emergency services. Here are some detailed steps to follow:

Step 1: Carry the Right Equipment

Make sure you have the necessary equipment on board, including a VHF-FM marine radio, preferably with Digital Selective Calling capability. A cell phone is not always reliable and may not have coverage in certain areas. If you frequently go boating or venture far from the shore, consider investing in an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) device. Additionally, basic safety equipment such as an anchor, oars, and a floating tow line are crucial.

Step 2: Know Whom to Contact

Be aware of the appropriate emergency contacts depending on your location. On the ocean, the Great Lakes, and certain rivers or designated bodies of water, the U.S. Coast Guard is the primary contact. In other areas, local responders or organisations like VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue) may be more suitable.

Step 3: Prepare Essential Information

Before transmitting a distress call, gather crucial information such as your position, the number of people onboard, the nature of the distress, and a description of your vessel (make, length, colour, type, registration numbers, and boat name). This information will be vital for rescuers or nearby boaters who may be able to assist.

Step 4: Transmit the Correct Distress Signal

If the situation is not life-threatening and the boat is not in immediate danger, transmit a Pan-Pan urgency message to indicate that the safety of your vessel or a person is in jeopardy. However, if there is grave and imminent danger to life or property, use the mayday call. Ensure you are tuned to VHF Channel 16, which is monitored by emergency services and nearby vessels.

Step 5: Use Visual and Audible Signals

If you are unable to communicate via radio, utilise visual distress signals such as flares, an orange distress flag, or a bright water-resistant flashlight. Sound your horn intermittently to attract attention. These signals are especially important when other boaters are likely to be in the area.

Step 6: Stay Calm and Stay Aboard

It is essential to remain calm and instruct everyone to stay aboard the boat unless instructed otherwise by emergency services. Do not abandon the vessel unless it is absolutely necessary, as it provides protection and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.

Conserve energy and supplies

If your boat engine stops, it is important to conserve energy and supplies. Here are some detailed instructions to help you do that:

Ration Supplies and Conserve Water

It is important to ration your supplies, especially water. Do not eat if you don't have enough water. Prepare to catch any rain or capture condensation to supplement your water supply.

Minimize Sun Exposure and Dehydration

If you have to wait for a long period, minimize sun exposure to prevent dehydration. Use tarps, canvas, or blankets to create shade and reduce sun exposure.

Avoid Unnecessary Movement

Moving around needlessly causes you to perspire and lose water through dehydration more quickly. Stay still and conserve your energy.

Carry Spares and Basic Tools

Always carry spare parts and basic tools on board. Some useful items to have include small tools, duct tape, light bulbs, batteries, hoses, gaskets, and a one-size-fits-all drive belt. These will help you fix minor issues and conserve your energy and supplies.

Take Advantage of Free Services

Take advantage of free services like a Vessel Safety Check at the beginning of the boating season. This will help you identify any issues and conserve your resources in the long run.

Practice Routine Repairs

Get familiar with your boat by practicing routine repairs. This will make you more comfortable with the tools, parts, and processes involved in fixing minor issues, helping you conserve energy and supplies.

Carry Basic Safety Equipment

Ensure you have basic safety equipment on board, such as an anchor with sufficient chain and line for your boat and water conditions, oars or paddles, and a floating tow line.

Carry Emergency Supplies

In addition to safety equipment, carry emergency supplies such as warm clothing or blankets, extra water and food, a first aid kit, and extra signaling devices like flares, a bright water-resistant flashlight, a signaling mirror, and a whistle.

By following these instructions, you can effectively conserve energy and supplies while dealing with a boat engine failure.

Frequently asked questions