By Captain Chris Caldwell
Your mate is a significant part of the marine team. Having worked as both a captain and a mate, we can vouch that there are different skills that each role brings to a successful day on the water. Truth be told, most days the mate works harder.
But what happens if the captain suddenly can’t operate the boat? Whether due to illness, injury, or another emergency, every mate or passenger should have a basic understanding of boating safety procedures. Knowing how to call for help on a VHF radio, maintain control of the vessel, anchor safely, or bring the boat to a dock can make a critical difference. With a little preparation and practice, stepping in for the captain doesn’t have to turn into a crisis.
Safety First: Preparing for the “Just in Case”
Safety is often as easy as prevention, which leads to the end goal of being prepared. Prepare for the “just in case.” Think ahead and be ready for plans A, B, C, or, if necessary, D. Talk about the what ifs before they happen.
Uh-oh, the captain suddenly told you he can’t drive the boat. Assess the situation to determine if this is an emergency. Just like with CPR, assess the person first, then call for help.
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How to Call for Help on a VHF Radio
Do you know how to call for help? If not, get familiar with your own equipment before an emergency occurs. Know what VHF radio buttons to push and how to call for help: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! (This means “help” in nautical terms.) This is the motorboat Sandy Hook, and my captain is hurt. We are in the ICW north of the Lake Worth Inlet (situational awareness of your location).” Then wait. Let someone answer your call. Take a deep breath and assess.
Read our full guide on how to use a VHF radio like a pro.
If you are lucky enough to have cell coverage, you might also try calling 911. Put your phone on speaker so you can continue to assess the situation with your eyes and ears while you are talking with EMS.
Decide what you can do and tell the first responders your plan. Can you keep the boat in the deeper water without running aground? At minimum, a competent mate should know how to lower the anchor to prevent drifting into more trouble. The ability to hold a course in the channel is a bonus.
Maybe you need a towboat to bring you to a dock so you can attend to the captain, or it’s possible that you can bring the boat to a nearby marina. More about that next.
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Basic Boat Handling Every Mate Should Know
Know enough about boat handling to be safe. Knowing more than that will keep it fun for everyone, even in the absence of a real emergency. But sometimes it’s as simple as getting the boat close to the fuel dock. Most marine fuel pumps are located on an easily accessible face dock. Staff can better help to fend you off and grab your lines at a face dock. It’s not always essential to get the boat into a slip.
You don’t think all captains are natural-born boat drivers, do you? The book Outliers explores why people are good at what they do. The simple reason that separates the novice from the skilled expert is practice.
Docking in a Pinch: Getting Safely to the Fuel Dock or Marina
It doesn’t matter if you are at the helm or acting as mate—find out about where you are docking before you get to the marina. Set your lines and your fenders to consider a fixed or a floating dock. Pay attention to how the wind and current could move your boat toward or away from the dock. And if docking isn’t in your skill set, then consider anchoring and waiting for a towboat or the USCG to assist you in your emergency.
Anchoring as an Emergency Backup Plan
Long before you hear the words, “You have to take the helm,” you should consider practicing with the anchor. Lower and raise it at least once each time you leave the dock. While traveling throughout your day of fun, discuss a few possible places to set the anchor. Consider why or why not. Look at charts for depth and water bottom. Determine how much scope to play out to avoid dragging. You’ll be glad you’ve thought it through if an emergency ever arises.
These simple tips can help you discover how to take the helm when the captain can’t. Practice safety, effective communication, and competent boat handling—and practice like your life depends on it.
Captains Chris & Alyse Caldwell are USCG 100-ton Masters and cruising coaches who offer personal boat training online or on board your boat anywhere. Questions? Ask Captain Chris at chris@captainchrisyachtservices.com.
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FAQ
What should you do if the captain becomes incapacitated on a boat?
First assess the captain’s condition and determine whether it’s a medical emergency. Call for help using a VHF radio by issuing a Mayday call or contact emergency services if you have cell coverage. Then focus on maintaining control of the boat by staying in safe water, slowing down, or anchoring until help arrives.
How do you make a Mayday call on a VHF radio?
To make a Mayday call, press the transmit button and say:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.”
Then identify your vessel, give your location, describe the emergency, and state how many people are on board. Wait for a response from the Coast Guard or nearby vessels before repeating the call if necessary.
Can a passenger legally operate a boat in an emergency?
Yes. In an emergency, any capable person on board can take the helm to ensure the safety of passengers and the vessel. Maritime safety guidelines prioritize protecting lives and preventing accidents over normal operating roles.
What basic boat-handling skills should every mate know?
At minimum, a mate should understand how to slow or stop the vessel, maintain a safe course in a channel, operate the throttle and steering, and deploy the anchor. Familiarity with docking basics and communication with marina staff can also help in stressful situations.
Why is practicing anchoring important for boat safety?
Anchoring is one of the safest ways to stabilize a boat during an emergency. Practicing how to lower and raise the anchor, calculate proper scope, and choose a suitable anchoring location ensures the crew can quickly prevent drifting into hazards if the captain cannot continue operating the vessel.
