Boat Tips: What If Your Engine Fails While Underway?

If your engine failed while you were boating, what would you do?  It's a question many of us don't bother to stop and ask ourselves before we go boating, and one that we probably should so that we can prepare a plan, in our minds at least, of what to do if the boat engine fails.  Here are some good things to keep in mind:

1. Know who to contact for help. Depending upon where you boat, there are federal, state or county agencies that you can contact for help in an emergency situation.  If you boat on federal waters, i.e. the ocean, the Great Lakes, some rivers and specially designated bodies of water, the Coast Guard will be the point of contact.  If you have a VHF radio (and you should), you will hail them on Channel 16.  Otherwise, calling 911 from a cell phone will get you to the agency that is most able to help you.
2. File a float plan with loved ones before leaving. Telling someone your planned location for boating is vital if your engine quits and fails to restart.  Once your return is overdue, the person you filed your float plan with can notify the proper agency and they can begin searching for you.  We can't always rely on cell phones coverage, so we must plan as if we have no way of contacting anyone in the event of an emergency.
3. Take steps to avoid drifting. Depending upon your location, drifting into rocks or the shallows is highly probable and could cause further damage to your boat and endanger your life.  Immediately throw out an anchor if you have one (and you should) to stop the boat from drifting.
4. Get the attention of other boaters or people on land. Use flares, wave your arms, make loud noises or use anything that is available to gain the attention of passing boaters.  Ideally you will have day and night flares and a sound making device (see Coast Guard Regulations) and will be able to easily signal that you are in distress.

By knowing what to do beforehand, you are well-armed with knowledge that will help you return safely in the event of an engine failure.  For more in depth information, see these articles:

• File a Float Plan
• Coast Guard Regulations
• VHF Radios vs. Cell Phones
• Boating Safety Best Practices