How to Call for Help in a Boating Emergency

Call For Help

May 24, 2016

Your boat is in danger, a passenger has fallen overboard, or you’re stranded on open water. How do you get help? Minutes matter. Make sure you know what do before you face a boating emergency. It could make the difference between life and death.

The most effective and reliable way to issue a distress alert is with a marine VHF radio. Keep your radio tuned to channel 16 and know your location at all times.

If you are in grave and imminent danger, use channel 16 to contact the Coast Guard and repeat MAYDAY three times. Then give the name and position of your vessel, the nature of your emergency, and the type of assistance you need.

If you need help but you are not in immediate danger, use channel 16 and repeat PAN PAN three times. Then give the name and position of your vessel, the nature of your emergency, and the type of assistance you need.

Only use channel 16 for emergency and calling purposes. To continue a conversation with another vessel, change to another channel.

One benefit of VHF radio is that in addition to the Coast Guard, other vessels in the area will also hear your distress call and can come to your aid.

New VHF radios can also issue a digital alert with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on channel 70. To make a digital call, your radio must have a nine-digit Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), which is assigned free of charge by Industry Canada. DSC service is available on the east and west coasts and in the high Arctic.

Many cell phone providers offer a *16 service, which connects you to the nearest Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre. Cell phones are not a good substitute for VHF radios because other vessels in the area can’t hear your distress call and rescuers can’t identify your position or follow your signal back to your vessel. A global positioning system is one of the most useful tools in providing accurate information on your position. The use of a cell phone is not an approved method of issuing a distress signal.

Training on the use of a Maritime Radio is recommended and now available from Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your required Recognized Operator Certificate (Maritime). Find a course near you at http://www.boatingcourses.ca/course-descriptions/maritime-radio-0.

For more information on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, visit the Office of Boating Safety website or phone toll-free at 1-800-267-6687.

-courtesy of the Canadian Safe Boating Council

 

Related Articles

Heritage Pt 2 – Prelude to War on the Upper Lakes

Heritage Pt 2 – Prelude to War on the Upper Lakes

The main supply route from Britain to Upper Canada during the war was by ship to Montreal, then by boat along the St. Lawrence River to Prescott or Kingston and onwards to York and Niagara by schooner on Lake Ontario.  Control of the sea was necessary to secure these routes in wartime but the nondescript collection of coast guard like Provincial Marine vessels that existed on the Lakes during peacetime in the early 1800’s was no match for an enemy naval force during times of war. Both navies used the following three types of vessels on the Great Lakes during the War.  The tall ships still use these main types or variations on the theme.

Video Gallery

New Boats: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 – A Sleek, Good -Looking Delight To Sail

By Katherine Stone

There is nothing more that I enjoy than being with friends and messing about in boats. Messing about in brand-new boats on a champagne sailing day on Lake Ontario at the beginning of the summer doesn’t get any better. To have the new owner, Helmuth Strobel and Anchor Yachts dealer Pancho Jimenez aboard made it even more special, as they can also speak to what they truly enjoy about the boat. We keep our own boat in a harbour that has a long waiting list for boats over 35 feet, so this little gem would definitely fit the bill and feels like a much bigger boat. True to the spirit of the 7th generation Oceanis line, the 34.1 is built in Poland and replaces the 35.1. It is 1,000 lbs lighter, 14 cm narrower and has 29% more sail area.

Read More

Destinations

Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands has Reopened

Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands has opened its rebuilt and re-envisioned luxury private island in 2024 after the property closures from the Virgin Islands’ 2017 hurricane season. Peter Island Resort has been undergoing its transformation for over six years. Its evolution includes brand new and upgraded accommodations and new state-of-the-art facilities and five stellar beaches amid hundreds of acres of unspoiled tropical island.

Peter Island Yacht Club

The new Yacht Club will be a must on the itineraries of sailors, boaters and yachtsmen with a marina that can accommodate a range of vessels from power boats, sailboats and catamarans, to super yachts of up to 200 feet. Located in Sprat Bay harbor, the Yacht Club will be its own destination with a dedicated swimming pool for Yacht Club guests, Drunken Pelican restaurant and bar, a commissary, Sea Chest Boutique and a sports recreation area with pickleball, basketball and bocce ball courts and a lawn-games area. To protect the coral reef and marine life surrounding the island, moorings will be located in White Bay, Sprat Bay, Deadman’s Bay…

Read More

Lifestyle