If you get into difficulties at sea there are a number of ways that you can call for help.
You should only call for help if you are in a life-threatening situation. The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), the coastguard and the rescue services are there to save lives. Remember to always tell someone where you are going.
You should be wearing a life jacket or buoyancy aid at all times when on a boat, but double-check you are wearing one if your boat starts getting into difficulty.
Wave your arms
up and down
from the sides
Shout
or prolonged blasts
on a foghorn
Use a torch to signal
SOS in morse code
VHF digital radio
Mobile phone
EPIRB
(Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon
Let off a flare
When you contact the emergency services say 'MAYDAY'
and let them know:
A radio will put you directly through to the coastguard or another boat. The rescue teams will be able to trace your signal.
A mobile phone will put you through to a land operator, who will put you in contact with a coastguard. However, you will not be able to talk directly to a helicopter or a lifeboat. Also the rescue services may not be able to trace your phone's signal.
An EPIRB will send out a signal that tells rescue teams where you are and the type of trouble you are in. You must register your EPIRB with the coastguard so they have a record of your boat.
Flares are only to be used in an emergency
Hand-held red pinpoint:
- Hold the flare by the handle at arm's length
- Don't look at it once it is lit
- This flare can be seen from 5 miles away during the day and from 7 miles at night
Orange smoke:
- Always ignite down wind
- The smoke can be seen from 3 miles in daylight
Parachute rockets:
- The flare rises 300m and falls slowly in a parachute
- This flare can be seen from 25 miles in good weather
Always read the instructions for the flares when you buy them, don't leave it until you are in an emergency!
If your boat is going to sink before the emergency services arrive, inflate your life raft.
- Tie the painter (the string that inflates the raft) to your boat
- Throw the raft to the sheltered 'leeward' side of your boat
- Pull the painter to inflate
- Put the heaviest strongest crew members in first to stabilise the raft
- Stream the drogue (a canvas covered conical frame). This stabilises the raft and keeps it in position
- Cut the painter (a knife is provided in every life raft) and close the door
- Take a seasickness tablet and keep as warm and dry as possible
- Ventilate the interior every hour
