MCA Editorial·July 2026
Emergencies are rare. Predictable. And manageable — if you've already rehearsed them in your head.
Panic is what happens when you meet the situation for the first time.
Engine Failure
Fuel, air, spark, cooling. Anchor if you can, drift clear of hazards, call for help early rather than late.
Grounding
Stop. Don't gun the engine. Check for damage. Work out whether the tide is rising or falling. Sometimes the best plan is to wait.
Taking On Water
Find the source. Slow the ingress. Start pumps. Head for shallow water. Call it in before you need to.
Medical on Board
A basic first-aid kit, a working VHF and one person with first-aid training solves most situations. Marine rescue would rather stand down than arrive late.
Slow down. Breathe. Say what you know out loud. Choose the next small step.
Things to Think About
- Do you know the diagnostic order for an engine that has stopped?
- Does anyone else on board know how to call for help?
- Have you ever run a man-overboard drill in your own boat?
Key Takeaways
- Emergencies are rare but predictable.
- Call for help early — always.
- Slow, calm decisions beat fast, panicked ones every time.