Emergency Info

Emergency Rescue Centre Information:

  • CH 16 on any marine radio
  • Call *16 on your cell phone
  • Toll-free (within Canada) 1-800-267-7270
  • Phone 1-613-965-3870

Capsized or swamped?

The first rule of boat safety is to stay calm and conserve energy. Do a head count and make sure everyone stays with the boat – it will be easier for rescue crews to find you.

Run aground?

Firstly, check that the hull, propeller and fuel lines haven’t sustained any damage. Then check the tide charts – can you sit it out until the tide turns? If not, or if you or the vessel is in danger, call for help.

Crew overboard?

Cut the engines immediately. Do a head count and if possible throw a life buoy or rope. Avoid having someone else go into the water to assist, but if it’s necessary, make sure they have a flotation device and are securely tethered to the boat.

Assess The Damage!

  • Make sure everyone’s safe. If anyone’s not wearing a life jacket, make them put one on immediately.
  • Is anyone injured? Have the emergency medical kit handy and check that the other vessel doesn’t have any casualties.
  • Check your boat carefully for damage, particularly to the hull, gas and fuel lines.
  • Use the marine radio to call for help. Be as specific as you can with details about your location (latitude and longitude if possible).
  • Don’t jump up and down, yelling and waving – you need to conserve your energy.
  • Use an emergency beacon only when there’s a likelihood of it being seen.
  • Record And Report
Prudent skippers not only have an emergency plan, they also make sure each crew member knows it and can act accordingly. Show them where the safety equipment is stowed and make sure they know how and when to use it.

Emergency Rescue Centre Information:

  • CH 16 on any marine radio
  • Call *16 on your cell phone
  • Toll-free (within Canada) 1-800-267-7270
  • Phone 1-613-965-3870
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