Chapter 13 · Sea, lakes, and riversSinking vessel
Chapter 13 · Sea, lakes, and rivers

Sinking vessel

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  1. Everyone puts on a life jacket immediately.
  2. Call for help on VHF radio, channel 16: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY," vessel name, position, nature of the problem, number of people. If you carry a beacon (EPIRB or PLB), activate it. If there is a signal, call 911.
  3. Grab the essentials if there is time: water, signals (flares, mirror, whistle, light), phone in a waterproof bag, warm clothing.
  4. Stay with the vessel as long as it floats, even if it is capsized. Climb onto it to get out of the water. It is far more visible than a person.
  5. If you have to jump, do it from the side away from the wind or from any fire or fuel, feet first, holding the life jacket against your chest and covering your nose and mouth.
  6. Stay away from fuel slicks and any fire.
  7. Keep the group together in the huddle posture.