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Dead in the Water?
Here's what to do...
by Mike Baron, USCG Division of Boating Safety
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Preventive maintenance is essential - but not a sure hedge against engine problems. Preparation, planning, and knowing when to get help are keys to coping if you face engine failure while afloat.
Preparation
Preparing for the possibility of engine failure is much like preparing for any boating emergency: ensure you have the right equipment, the right information, and contingency plans.
o Carry basic tools and spares: water impeller replacement, in-line fuel filter, spark plugs, belts and belt wrench, props, oil and coolant, screwdrivers, duct tape - and the manual for your boat and engine.
- o If possible, carry basic safety equipment, including anchor with sufficient chain and line for your boat and the water conditions; an oar; floating tow line.
- o Take an emergency supply of warm clothing/blankets, extra water and food, first aid kit, and extra signaling devices (extra pyrotechnic visual distress signals, as well as options like a bright water resistant flashlight, signaling mirror, and whistle).
- o Invest in a VHF-FM marine radio, preferably one with Digital Selective Calling; in an emergency, a cell phone is not an adequate substitute. You may not have cell access, and rescuers can't pinpoint your location effectively. If you go boating often or far out, consider buying an EPIRB
- o Know whom to contact in case of an emergency: on the ocean, the Great Lakes, and some rivers and designated bodies of water, it's the U.S. Coast Guard; in other areas, it may be other local responders.
- o Ensure you and passengers know how to use all safety equipment.
- o Plan excursions in line with your experience and skill level; don't go far out on the ocean (or a large lake) in a small boat unless you are highly experienced and skilled.
- o File a detailed float plan.
- Troubleshooting
- Drop anchor (maneuvering out of the channel first, if possible). You want to stabilize your position and avoid drifting toward any other dangers. If you don't have an anchor aboard, improvise. Tie a line to a large bucket; in a pinch you might use something like a duffle bag.
- Ensure everyone on board puts on their life jackets, if not already wearing them.
- Prepare to sound a horn or other audible device to warn other boats. Turn your radio to VHF Channel 16, so you are ready to warn others or call for help, if needed.
- Check for any simple problems you might be able to repair on the water:
- o Check the engine cut off switch;
- o Check for common electrical problems; smell for burning odors - if there is a smell or smoke, turn off the battery switch, and cut and isolate any wires that are damaged to
prevent further
shorts or damage;
- o Ensure the battery connections are solid and the battery is not dead;
- o Ensure the fuel line is not disconnected or damaged;
- o Look for loose or broken belts;
- o If the engine seems to be overheating, check and clear clogged intakes for outboard motors or filters for inboard engines;
- o Check your boat and engine manual for additional trouble shooting guidance.
- Get Help
- Get ready to communicate clearly by radio: know and prepare to convey your position, how many people are onboard, the nature of distress, and a description of your vessel (make, length, color, type, registration numbers, and boat name). Nearby boaters may be able to assist, or help with a simple repair.
- If you feel confident that the situation is not life threatening, and the boat is not in immediate danger, transmit a Pan-Pan urgency message (pronounced pahn-pahn) to communicate that the safety of your vessel or a person is in jeopardy. If you are in a situation when grave and imminent danger threatens life or property, use the mayday call.
- If you don't have a radio, use your cell to communicate the same information to emergency response.
- If you are unable to communicate directly, strategically use your on-board visual distress signals. Use flares when you see other boats or when other boaters are likely to be out; sound your horn intermittently. Raise your orange distress flag.
- While You Wait
- Remain calm. Have everyone stay aboard the boat.
- If it looks like you'll be waiting for a while, minimize sun exposure to prevent dehydration. Use tarps, canvas or a blanket to improvise shade.
- Conserve energy - moving around needlessly also causes you to dehydrate more quickly through perspiration.
- Ration supplies (and don't eat if you don't have water). Conserve your water. Prepare to catch any rain or capture condensation.
Prevention TIPS- o Have your boat 's engine and other systems serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. A general rule is every 12 months or every 100 hours of use.
- o Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check at the beginning of every boating season.
- o Complete a boating safety course to get more comfortable and familiar with safety and emergency procedures.
- o Be familiar with your boat; practice routine repairs so you are comfortable with the tools, parts, and process.
- o Take proper care between trips - particularly when winterizing at the end of the season. Use a fuel stabilizer for periods when the boat is not in use.
- o Flush out outboard engines after every trip (even if you were boating on fresh water).
- o Complete a systems check before every start - or at least once a day when your boat is in use: check fuel, oil, and water levels; if the oil level is high, it could signal water in the oil sump (and the oil itself may look milky); too low could indicate a leak.
- o Inspect, clean, and if needed, replace damaged wiring.
- o Never run your boat with your fuel close to empty. Know your tank's capacity, and ensure your fuel gauge is accurate.
- o Regularly scan your gauges for early indicators of problems while aboard.]