What should you do if an emergency occurs on your boat?

In an emergency situation on your boat, using distress signals and communicating with emergency services is the most effective course of action. This approach ensures that trained professionals are alerted to your situation and can provide the necessary assistance or guidance. Distress signals, such as flares or radio calls, help to indicate that you are in need of help and allow others to locate you more easily.

Taking immediate action to fix the problem may distract you from addressing the emergency effectively or could potentially worsen the situation if you are not trained to handle it. Waiting for help to arrive without notifying anyone can lead to delays, especially in an emergency where every minute counts. Trying to downplay the situation can impede your ability to get the help you need and could put you and your passengers at greater risk. Prioritizing communication and signaling for help is vital in ensuring safety when facing emergencies at sea.