Emergency Quick Reference

Man overboard (MOB).

1
Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" and point continuously at the person in the water
2
Press the MOB button on GPS/plotter to mark the position
3
Throw the lifebuoy, danbuoy, and anything that floats toward the casualty
4
Assign one crew member as dedicated spotter — they point at the MOB at all times
5
Start the engine (if under sail) and keep the propeller clear of the casualty
6
Execute a turn to return: reach–tack–reach, or Williamson turn in poor visibility
7
Approach slowly from downwind so the boat drifts toward the person
8
Make contact — throwing line, boarding ladder, or a sail as a recovery sling
9
Get the casualty horizontal (not vertical) to avoid post-rescue collapse
10
Treat for hypothermia: dry clothes, warmth, warm sweet drinks if conscious
11
Call Mayday if you cannot recover the person, or Pan Pan if you need assistance

RECOVERY MANOEUVRES

Fire on board.

1
Alert all crew — shout "FIRE" and state the location
2
Galley fire: turn off gas at the bottle, smother with the fire blanket
3
Engine fire: shut down the engine, close ventilation, use CO₂/dry powder through the intake — do NOT open the compartment fully
4
Electrical fire: isolate the battery switch, use CO₂ — never water
5
Point the extinguisher at the base of the flames, sweep side to side
6
Ensure all crew are wearing lifejackets
7
Prepare the life raft and grab bag in case the fire can't be controlled
8
Move the boat so smoke blows away from crew
9
Send Mayday if the fire is out of control
10
After extinguishing: ventilate thoroughly, watch for re-ignition for 30+ minutes

EXTINGUISHER SELECTION

Flooding / hull breach.

1
Start bilge pumps immediately — electric and manual
2
Find the source: through-hulls, hose connections, stern gland, keel bolts
3
Close all seacocks near the leak if possible
4
Plug the breach — softwood bungs (tied to every seacock), towels, cushions, or a collision mat
5
Reduce water pressure: slow the boat, heel away from the breach if below the waterline
6
All crew into lifejackets
7
Send Mayday if flooding is uncontrollable, or Pan Pan for assistance
8
Prepare the life raft and grab bag
9
Keep pumping — a boat still floating beats a life raft

Grounding.

1
Stop engines immediately to protect propeller and rudder
2
Check bilges for water ingress — grounding can breach the hull
3
Check the tide: if rising you may float off; if falling, act fast
4
Try reversing off under engine, exactly the way you came in
5
Reduce draft: heel using the boom as a lever, move crew weight, or kedge an anchor to deeper water and winch off
6
If stuck on a falling tide: secure the boat to settle safely (fenders + anchor to control heel)
7
Call for a tow if needed — agree salvage terms BEFORE accepting a line
8
Once free, check hull, rudder, and keel before continuing

Medical emergency.

1
Ensure scene safety — don't become a second casualty
2
DR-ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
3
If unresponsive and not breathing: start CPR — 30 compressions, 2 breaths
4
Send for the first-aid kit and AED if available
5
Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and elevation
6
Suspected spinal injury: minimise movement, stabilise the head
7
Contact the Coastguard on Ch 16 for medical advice (MEDICO)
8
Pan Pan if you need medical evacuation or diversion
9
Monitor and reassess — record vital signs every 15 minutes
10
Keep the casualty warm, comfortable, and reassured

Mayday & Pan Pan.

MAYDAY · CH 16

Mayday call

"MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY"
"This is [vessel name ×3]"
"MAYDAY [vessel name]"
"My position is [lat/long or bearing & distance]"
"I am [nature of distress]"
"I require immediate assistance"
"[number] persons on board"
"Over"

Use when there is grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required.

PAN PAN · CH 16

Pan Pan call

"PAN PAN ×3"
"All stations ×3"
"This is [vessel name ×3]"
"My position is [lat/long or bearing & distance]"
"I have [nature of urgency]"
"I require [type of assistance]"
"[number] persons on board"
"Over"

Use for urgent situations without immediate danger to life or vessel — engine failure, medical concern, loss of steering.