How to Get Help on the Water

What to do when you need help but you're not in distress

The Coast Guard's primary role is to help boaters in distress. If you're in trouble but not in distress and other sources of help are available, the Coast Guard will normally coordinate the effort to assist you.

If you would like them to contact a friend, marina or commercial firm, they will try to do so. You can also contact those people directly using Channel 16 VHF/ FM or through the marine operator.

If you can't get help through these channels, the Coast Guard will make a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast on your behalf. This announces that you need help, gives your location, and invites others to come to your aid. If you don't accept the assistance of those who respond to the broadcast, the Coast Guard will provide you with information on commercial firms that can help you or they will make a second broadcast to see if any other help is available.

Things to keep in mind before you accept help

Unless you are familiar with the people who are offering to help you, you need to make sure you clearly understand what type of help is being offered before you accept it. Always consider the following:

1. Large physical stresses can occur in towing and salvage operations, risking personal injury and damage to one or both boats.
   
2. Does the person offering help have the proper equipment to handle your problem safely?
   
3. Does the person have the proper insurance to protect you and your vessel if he or she causes damage or injury during the rescue?
   
4. Can the crew handle the situation safely given the conditions and nature of the problem?
   
5. If you are asked to pay a fee, does the person have a Coast Guard license? To charge for towing services, a license is required.

The best bet is to avoid trouble

Even better than knowing what to do if you get into trouble on the water is taking the precautions to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. Follow these simple tips to lessen your chances of ending up in a jam:

1. Take a nationally recognized boating course.
   
2. Get a free Courtesy Marine Exam of your vessel from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
   
3. Fill your fuel tanks before you set out.
   
4. Always file a float plan. Leave information regarding your travel plans with a responsible person who is not raveling with you. Leave details on where you are going, when you're leaving and your estimated return time.
   
5. Make sure your engine is properly tuned.
   
6. Check your engine compartment for fumes.
   
7. Instruct all passengers in basic safety procedures.
   
8. Always make sure everyone wears a life jacket.
   
9. Take stock of your safety equipment before you leave port. You should always have the following items in good condition on board:
   - Radio
   - Life jackets (PFDs)
   - Fire extinguishers
   - Anchor & line
   - Basic tools and spare parts
   - Flares & sound signal devices
   - Compass & navigational chart
   - First aid kit
   - Paddle & bailer
   - Lights & flashlights
   

Be safe and have fun!

When your car breaks down, it's a problem. But when your boat breaks down out in open waters, it's an even bigger problem. You can't just put your blinkers on and walk to the nearest service station.

Keep alert and stay in touch

That's why it's important to keep alert to even the smallest problems and let someone back on land know you're experiencing difficulties. Then you can get a handle on the situation before it becomes an emergency.

The Coast Guard

The Coast Guard serves as Search and Rescue coordinator for all maritime emergencies.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned for your safety and that of your passengers, contact the Coast Guard right away.

If you are in distress (which the Coast Guard defines as a situation in which you and or your boat are threatened by grave or imminent danger and require assistance), the Coast Guard will take immediate steps to help you.

Normally, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary rescue boats and/or aircraft will be sent, but assistance from any available source will be arranged to get help to you as quickly as possible.

How to signal for help

If you are in distress, broadcast "mayday, mayday, mayday" on your radio.

If your situation is not distress, simply call "Coast Guard." Channel 16 VHF/ FM and 218khz HF/ SSB are dedicated to distress calls and are monitored by the Coast Guard at all times.

Citizen's Band radio is not considered reliable and is not monitored at most Coast Guard stations.

If you do not have a radio (you should!), try to signal another boater who can help you or call the Coast Guard on your behalf. In a distress situation, use flares or any other distress signaling device to catch the attention of other boaters.

What to tell the Coast Guard

When you contact the Coast Guard, provide this information:

1. Your location or position
   
2. Exact nature of the problem
   
3. Number of people on board
   
4. Your boat's name, registration and description
   
5. Safety equipment you have on board
   
6. Whether anyone is seriously injured

When to call back

After your initial contact, keep in touch with the Coast Guard at regular intervals. Let them know when help arrives. If someone offers to help but can't reach you in less than an hour, call the Coast Guard to arrange other assistance.

You should also contact the Coast Guard immediately in any of these situations develop:

1. A medical emergency
   
2. A storm approaches
   
3. You begin to take on water
   
4. Your last reported position changes