NO RADIO ON BOARD? HOW TO SIGNAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES WHEN IN DISTRESS
Alerting search and rescue services in a boating emergency can be a stressful situation, especially if you're not equipped with or have access to a marine radio for distress calls. It is highly encouraged that you have a marine radio in working order somewhere on your boat, but accidents do happen.
There is an international marine code you can use to indicate that you are in need of assistance that is recognised anywhere in the world. In dire circumstances, remembering these tools will increase your chances of being rescued.
SET OFF DISTRESS FLARES
You can ignite flares to let people know you're in trouble and indicate to rescuers where you are. That is why flares should only be let off if you are confident there's a chance of them being seen.
On board, you should carry two types of flares; orange smoke flares to be used during the day and red hand flares that can be used during the day or night.
In the case of an emergency, it is imperative that you are able to find and ignite the correct flare, even in total darkness, so research how to use them before heading out. Keep flares in an accessible, sealed and waterproof container.
DISPLAY YOUR ORANGE PVC V SHEET
If other boats or potential rescuers are in sight, display a V sheet over the deck or fly it as a flag to indicate that you are in need of assistance.
A V sheet is a fluorescent orange-red sheet with a large black V printed in the middle that you should carry when going offshore. The black V is an internationally recognised signal of a vessel being in distress.
ACTIVATE YOUR EPIRB
A vital piece of equipment you can use is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Called an EPRIB, when activated it alerts search and rescue services via satellite in an emergency. It is essential that you register your EPIRB with the proper authorities in order for it to be effective.
It can transmit a distress signal for a minimum of 48 hours. Going more than two nautical miles offshore, it is required to have an EPIRB on board, stored in a place that is easy to access.
USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE
A commonly overlooked tool is the phone in your back pocket. With satellite and GPS services, reception service on mobile phones has never been better. A phone has many practical applications when boating, including navigation, mapping and compass tools.
If you are in range, it can be the easiest option to alert marine rescue services, emergency responders or family members quickly, and you can share your position using the Deckee app.
WAVE YOUR ARMS
If all else fails, raising and lowering your arms to attract attention is an international distress signal.
Yell, shout and make signals in any way to call for help, and use sound signalling equipment for SOS.