ARE YOU IN ENGINE FAILURE
DISTRESS?
Being in distress means that a vessel, vehicle, Engine failure alone is not a distress situation: • Use your VHF to put out a ‘Securité’ (safety)
aircraft or person is in grave and imminent it does not warrant a mayday radio message call announcement of your situation. A DSC
danger. This is a mayday situation. ‘Distress’ or the use of red flares unless lack of power radio can do this very quickly and digitally.
does not apply to a vessel that is disabled has put the vessel and crew in grave and See the CD-ROM for more information.
but in no immediate danger. However, it imminent danger. However, do inform the • If you are in a particularly hazardous area,
is strongly advised that you contact the Coastguard of your situation and explain that such as a traffic separation scheme, port
Coastguard so that they are informed of your you are trying to fix the problem. This may approach or channel, you can always
situation should it take a turn for the worse. prevent ‘maybe in trouble’ lifeboat call outs. upgrade your call to a pan-pan or even
If in doubt always contact the Coastguard. mayday if it warrants it. The Coastguard
If your engine breaks down while you are
They may request the launch of a lifeboat. may do this for you as they have the
at sea, it’s important to take some safety
P
equipment to assess your situation from
h
o
measures:
t
a larger perspective.
o
: C
o
• Can you find and fix the problem yourself? • Carry appropriate spare parts and tools
l
i
n V
Check fuel, oil, air, cooling water and correct for your type of engine, as there are some
i
c
k
e
operating procedures. If you can, fix the organisations that can come out and fix
r
s
problem. If not, consider alternatives, such it for you.
as using the dinghy and outboard motor to
tow the parent craft.
• Is there an alternative such as sails, other
engine, outboard motor, paddle? In open
water, it may be acceptable to drift while
you assess the problem and attempt repairs.
If not, anchor your vessel.
32
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