Even with careful planning and maintenance, problems can occur at any time on the water. Here’s some practical advice for emergency preparedness and response: 

1. Engine Failure

What to Do:

• Look for easy fixes like empty fuel tanks or tripped circuit breakers.
• If you have a separate emergency battery, use it.
• If you can’t find any obvious fixes or an extra battery, use your VHF radio or phone to call for help.
• If you’re drifting, drop the anchor to keep your boat steady until help comes or you solve the problem and can safely return home. 

Prevention Tips:

• Stick to a maintenance schedule. Regularly check your oil and fuel system, and clean or replace filters as needed.
• Do a pre-trip check. Look for leaks, loose connections, and other potential issues.
• Keep spare parts handy. Have belts, fuses, and a basic toolkit on hand to tackle minor problems right away.
• Don’t overload your boat. Excess weight can put extra strain on your engine and lead to trouble. 

» MORE: Engine Maintenance Tips

2. Bad Weather

What to Do:

• Look at the weather forecast before you head out and keep an eye on updates while you're on the water.
• If bad weather’s rolling in, steer your boat to the nearest safe spot or harbor.
• Make sure everything’s tied down and slow down to prepare for rough weather. 
• Don’t forget to put on those life jackets!

Prevention Tips:

• Learn how to read weather signs and forecasts, so you know what’s coming. 
• Set up a plan for different weather situations, so you know what to do if things go south.
• Stock Up. Make sure your boat has weather-resistant gear and supplies to handle unexpected conditions.

3. Collision

What to Do:

• Make sure everyone on board is okay and call for medical help if necessary.
• Check your boat for damage. 
• Exchange contact information and insurance details with the other party involved. Make sure to take photos of the incident if possible.
• Notify authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
• Finally, move your boat to a safe location if possible.  

Prevention Tips:

• Always be on the lookout for other boats and obstacles. 
• Stick to boating rules and right-of-way guidelines.
• Make sure your navigation lights are working and use them, especially in poor visibility.
• Go slow in busy areas and adjust your speed based on the traffic and weather.
• Avoid drinking while boating. It compromises with your judgment and reaction time.
• Take a boating safety course. It can teach you more about avoiding collisions and safe practices.

4. Fire Aboard

What to Do:

• Let everyone on the boat know there’s a fire and instruct them to stay calm.
• Grab your fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire and use short bursts.
• If you can do it safely, turn off the power to prevent electrical fires from spreading.
• Use your VHF radio or phone to call for help.
• If the fire gets out of hand, get everyone off the boat safely. Put on life jackets and grab any flotation devices.
• If you’re waiting for help, use flares or an emergency beacon to make it easier for rescuers to find you. 

Prevention Tips:

• Check your fire extinguishers. Keep them in good shape and make sure they’re up to date.
• Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
• Regularly check for any worn or faulty wiring to prevent electrical fires.
• Store anything flammable safely.

5. Capsizing 

What to Do:

• Keep your cool and make sure everyone on board is accounted for.
• Put on life jackets and grab any other flotation devices you have.
• Stay close to the boat. It’s easier for rescuers to spot the boat than people.
• Use your VHF radio or phone to get emergency assistance. Let them know where you are and what’s going on.
• Light up flares or use an emergency beacon to make sure rescuers can find you.

Prevention Tips:

• Spread weight evenly and don’t overload the boat.
• Don’t head out if the weather looks bad. It’s safer to wait for better conditions.
• Regularly check for leaks and fix any issues to keep your boat in tip-top shape.