Rendering Aid

Sooner or later there will come a time when you will have to render aid to another boater. The occasion will seldom be of such a nature as to require rescue techniques or lifesaving skills. However, to the boaters needing assistance you will look as good as a police officer does if your car has broken down in a dark deserted area.

Most of the difficulties boaters encounter is engine trouble. A marine engine used for recreational purposes is more likely to fail if their owner does not give it respect.

It’s just a matter of time before you come across a disabled boater. If it’s a typical hot day those on board the disabled vessel may be anxious for a tow back to the marina. You can and should assist them, but make sure you can do so safely.

If the disabled vessel is taking on water, notify the Coast Guard of the situation and give them your location. Have all passengers in the disabled vessel put on their personal floatation devices (PFD’s) and transfer them to your vessel.

If the disabled vessel has simply experienced engine difficulties, and you decide to tow the disabled vessel back yourself, make sure the hardware used for the towlines is of sufficient strength, through bolted, and have a considerable backing plate on your vessel as well as the disabled vessel. The towlines should be of sufficient length and size for the boat size and sea conditions and free of any frays, knots or splices. Have all the passengers in the disabled vessel put on their PFD’s. Depending on the conditions of the sea, arrange the passengers of the towed vessel for better trim or transfer them to your boat.

Use a low speed when towing another vessel. Distribute the stress on the lines and vessel hardware by using a bridle when possible. Adjust the towlines so your vessel and the towed vessel are taking the waves as one. If your vessel is in the trough, so is the towed vessel. If your vessel is on the crest, so is the towed vessel.

A first-aid kit, blankets, lines heavy enough to double as a towline and extra life jackets are some very important things you can carry on your vessel should you encounter a disabled boater. In more serious situations, a VHF Marine radio and/or cell phone are not only important for your own safety, but also when dealing with a vessel in distress.

If you’re out on the water and come across a disabled boater or are alerted to a vessel in distress, help if you can but do so safely. Remember, safe boating is smart boating.

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