Minor problems can quickly turn into emergency situations that are beyond your control. For this reason, it’s always a safe idea to know how to get help when you’re on the water and who to call when you’re experiencing difficulties.
The Coast Guard serves as Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator for all maritime emergencies and is the appropriate point of contact whenever you or your boat are in distress. They will take immediate action to arrange your rescue when you are concerned for your safety.
How To Signal For Help
If you are in distress, use your radio and say “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.” If you are not in distress, just call the Coast Guard using Channel 16 VHF/FM and 212khz HF/SSB. These channels are dedicated distress and calling frequencies that are monitored at all times.
If you do not have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater to assist you or call the Coat Guard for you. If there isn’t another boater around and you’re in distress, use flares or any other distress signaling device to attract attention.
What To Tell The Coast Guard
- Your location or position
- Exact nature of the problem
- Number of people on board
- Your boat name, registration and description
- Safety equipment on board
When To Call Back
Keep in regular contact with the Coast Guard. Call when help arrives, if someone offers help but cannot get to you within a reasonable amount of time or if conditions change sufficiently to cause alarm such as a medical emergency, a storm is approaching or you begin to take on water.
When You’re Not In Distress
The Coast Guard’s primary search and rescue role is to assist boaters that are in distress. If you are not, try to call an alternate source of assistance if they are readily available. However, if you need a friend, marina or boat tow service that you wish to contact, they can assist you with that effort.
If the effort is unsuccessful, they will make a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast (MARB), which announces that you need help, gives your location and invites others to come to your aid.
A commercial firm may offer help, but generally you will have to pay for these services. If you agree to assistance, then refuse this service when it arrives, you may still be legally obligated to pay a fee. If the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary arrives to assist you and require a tow, they normally will tow you to the nearest location where you can either arrange for repairs or a tow back to your home port. In addition, others may be available to assist you including fellow boaters, fire or police department or another public agency.
If you need any more information, check out the United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Division’s website.
