How to Leave a Sinking Boat

The unthinkable has happened -- your boat is sinking and you have to abandon it. It may sink in a matter of minutes or it may take hours to sink. Either way, if you know the proper way to leave a sinking boat, you'll increase your chances of survival, the chance that those with you will survive the incident, and the likelihood that rescuers will find you. Some very unspectacular actions may make all the difference in the world.

Instructions

    • 1

      Don warm clothing and a life jacket. If in cold waters, don a survival suit.

    • 2

      Broadcast a "Mayday" message using the VHF radio or single sideband radio. Include your vessel name, location and situation, including why you are sinking in the message. Instruct all personnel in the wheelhouse to move to the embarkation deck.

    • 3

      Remain in the wheelhouse until all others have moved to the embarkation deck. Upon arrival on the embarkation deck, pick up and hold onto the emergency position indicating radio beacon, called the EPIRB.

    • 4

      Pick up the master's log, charts of the area and the abandon ship bag. Move the the embarkation deck. Use the list of persons on board to call the roll. Ensure all personnel are wearing prescribed personal protective equipment, including a personal flotation device -- a life jacket.

    • 5

      Launch a life raft or lifeboat. Enter the raft or lifeboat from the boat, rather than the water, if possible. Move away from the sinking vessel.