What do you do if your vessel is taking on water?

When your vessel is taking on water, sending out a distress signal on channel 16 is crucial. Channel 16 is the international distress frequency, monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels, making it the most effective means of alerting others to your emergency situation. By providing necessary information such as your location, the nature of the emergency, and any details about the vessel, you enable rescuers to respond quickly and effectively.

While waiting for assistance or trying to fix the leak may seem reasonable actions, they do not prioritize immediate safety. Time is often critical in emergency situations, and ensuring that help is on the way is imperative. Contacting local authorities via phone may not reach the immediate responders in a timely fashion, especially if you are out at sea. Therefore, the best and most appropriate course of action is to send out a distress signal, ensuring that help is alerted as quickly as possible.