Help! We’re Sinking!

Chances are that you’ll have a collision or get a hole in your hull is remote if you keep your boat in good condition and know what you’re doing.  But there’s an old saying that says “Strange things happen at sea!”

Even if you’re paying attention, you can have a mishap; either bumping or being bumped buy another boat or hitting some submerged rocks or debris. If that happens, check to see if you’re filling up with water anywhere on the boat.  If the answer is “yes” you will probably have a hole somewhere in your hull. Send a Mayday signal before any water gets to the electronics and follow these steps:

• Everyone should already be wearing life jackets. If not, put them on.
• Send a Mayday signal before any water gets to the electronics.
• Try to find the leak.
• Instruct your crew is wearing their life jackets, and get essential gear ready and prepare to board the life raft, if necessary.
• Only get into the life raft if you boat is actually sinking and you have to step up into it.

There are some quick fixes which can buy some time and may help you get home.

Jamming a wad of clothing, pillow, or whatever is at hand over a smaller holes or cracks. Press on the leak until someone can wedge something more efficient into place. Use anything you can find to stop or slow the leakage.

Having the foresight to anticipate any possible trouble, and being ready to deal with it is the sign of a good captain, Protecting your boat with quality Canvas Covering from CMC Canvas LLC is a good preventative measure that insures you boat is protected and ready to sail when you are.