Boating Lessons: Hitting Submerged Objects

If you've ever hit a submerged object while boating, then you know that sinking feeling of dread that comes with the loud thump of something - and boy did it sound big - hitting the hull of your boat. In yesterday's Boating Lessons, I covered how to avoid submerged objects all together. Today you will learn what to do if your best efforts fail.

Submerged objects like sticks or logs, crab pots and other debris present a real danger to boaters. Hitting something in the water can put a hole in the hull, causing the boat to begin taking on water. Sometimes, the object can foul the propellers, possibly leaving you stranded. In any case, knowing what to do if you hit a submerged object while boating can at least provide peace of mind, and at most, save your life.

If you hit a submerged object:

1. Immediately bring the engine(s) into neutral. By doing so, you may avoid damaging the props.

2. Have every person aboard the vessel put on life jackets.

3. Conduct a safety inspection of your boat, paying particular attention to the bilge or engine compartment to verify if the hull has been compromised and you are taking on water.

4. (a) If you are taking on water, immediately use VHF Channel 16 to contact the Coast Guard. Give them your vessel's name, description, location, how many persons are on board your boat and the nature of the emergency. Proceed to use available materials to staunch the flow of water if possible.

   (b)If you aren't taking on water, continue with the inspection of your vessel.

5. After inspecting the hull for damage, proceed to test your engine(s). Slowly bring the engine into gear and bring it up to test if it is functioning normally. If you have twin engines, test one engine at a time. If you have damaged the prop, the engine will rev but there will be very little power to propel you forward. If you have damaged the engine, contact the Coast Guard, commercial towing assistance or a friend to tow you back to port.

6. If your hull and engines are not damaged, proceed cautiously.

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• Avoiding Submerged Objects

Boating Lessons is an About.com Powerboating weekly feature designed to provide busy boaters with short tips and instruction about boat maintenance, boating safety, navigation, boat handling and more. To receive Boating Lessons and all Powerboating blogs automatically, sign up for the Powerboating RSS feed. For boating news and information delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the weekly Powerboating e-Newsletter.