Question 1

After 15 minutes, the engine starts again and runs normally. What should the skipper do?

Accepted Answer

Tell the Coastguard immediately that the engine is running and the danger has passed, so they can stand down any help being sent. Then carefully motor away from the rocks into open, safer water before deciding next steps Always tell the Coastguard as soon as the danger has passed — rescue boats and lifeboats may already be on their way, using resources and putting other crews at some risk; standing them down promptly is important and courteous. Moving away from the rocks into open water first, before making other decisions, removes the immediate danger. There is no need to test the engine again right next to the hazard that nearly caused a grounding.

Question 2

SUNBEAM's engine suddenly cuts out while motoring towards the harbour. The wind is blowing the boat towards rocks half a mile away. What is the first thing the skipper should think about?

Accepted Answer

Get the sails up immediately if there is enough sea room — sail gives back control of the boat's direction, which is the main danger right now. While crew raise sail, try to restart the engine if safe to do so On a lee shore (wind blowing the boat towards land), the immediate danger is losing control of the boat's direction. Sail gives the boat steering and the ability to move away from danger, so getting it up fast is the priority. Trying to fix the engine first, while drifting towards rocks, wastes precious time. The anchor can help (Decision Point 2) but only if the depth is checked and it can hold before the boat reaches danger.

Question 3

There is very little wind — not enough to sail clear of the rocks in time. What is the next option?

Accepted Answer

Anchor — check the depth on the chart or depth sounder, make sure there is enough rope/chain for the depth (at least 4-5 times the depth of water), and drop the anchor before the boat drifts into danger. This holds the boat until help arrives or the engine is fixed When there is no wind to sail and no engine, anchoring is the next best option to stop drifting towards danger. It must be done in good time — not at the last moment — and with enough scope (length of rope/chain) for the anchor to hold properly. Trying to paddle a 30ft boat against wind and current is not realistic. Never enter the water near a boat that may be drifting — this adds a person-in-the-water emergency to an already dangerous situation.