What are the three must-do checks before leaving port?

Check multi-source weather (wind and waves), verify safety gear and critical systems (life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, seacocks, bilge pumps), and give a short safety briefing to crew/guests.

When should I reef the sails in bad weather?

Reef early—before the wind builds. A smaller, controlled sail plan is safer and more maneuverable than a large, overpowered one.

How should I take waves under power during a storm?

Avoid taking seas abeam. Adjust speed and take waves on the bow quarter (about 45°) for a more stable ride, steering toward the nearest shelter.

What is the correct approach for a Man Overboard (MOB)?

Shout 'Man overboard', throw flotation to mark the spot, press the MOB button on GPS, assign a spotter, return via the safest maneuver, and approach from the leeward side.

How do I make a MAYDAY call on VHF?

On Channel 16: 'MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Vessel Name] [x3], call sign [___], position [lat/long], nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board, other info. OVER.' Use PAN-PAN if urgent but not life-threatening.

What should be in a grab bag?

Copies of IDs, handheld VHF, flares, small first-aid kit, water, energy snacks, flashlight, spare batteries, essential medications—stored in a waterproof bag, ready to grab.

Sea Safety Guide: Storms, MOB, Fire, Flooding & Mayday (VHF 16)

Being at sea means freedom and peace—but that freedom comes with great responsibility. Weather can change in an instant and unexpected situations can arise. In those moments, knowing the right steps—rather than panicking—keeps you and your loved ones safe. Remember: at sea, the best sailor is the most prepared one. This guide is here to help you stay calm and make the right decisions when things get tough.

Section 1: Prevention & Preparation (How Not to Get Caught in a Storm)

The best safety strategy is to avoid danger altogether. Make these three steps a habit before every passage.

1) Check the Weather

Never leave port without a forecast. Consult multiple sources (e.g., Turkish State Meteorological Service, Windguru, Windy) for wind and wave predictions and watch for changes along your planned route.

2) Know Your Boat & Safety Gear

Know where your life jackets, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit, and flares are—and how to use them. Memorize the location of seacocks, fuel shut-offs, and bilge pumps. Confirm everything is operational.

3) Give a Pre-Departure Briefing

Hold a short safety briefing with crew or guests. Show life jacket locations and assign basic emergency roles. This reduces panic if something happens.

Section 2: If You Get Caught in a Storm

If foul weather finds you despite precautions, don’t panic—follow these steps:

Stay Calm & Assign Roles: Take charge. Instruct everyone to put on life jackets. Your calm will reassure others.

Secure Everything: Stow or lash down anything that can fly on deck and below. Close and dog all hatches and portholes tightly.

Reef Early (Reduce Sail Area): On a sailboat, reef before the wind builds or furl sails completely. A small, controlled sail is safer than a big, unruly one.

Choose Proper Speed & Heading: Under power, adjust speed to meet waves comfortably. Avoid taking seas abeam; that increases rolling risk. Take waves on the bow quarter (~45°) for a more stable ride, and set course for the nearest sheltered harbor or cove.

Section 3: Other Emergency Procedures

Man Overboard (MOB)

Shout immediately: “Man overboard!”
Throw a life ring or any floating object to mark the spot and aid flotation.
Press the MOB button on GPS if available to log the position.
Assign one person to maintain constant visual contact—do not lose sight.
Return via the safest, quickest maneuver and approach from the leeward side to avoid drifting over the person.

Fire On Board

Identify the source (electrical, galley, engine, etc.).
Use the correct extinguisher (P.A.S.S.: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze, Sweep).
For engine fires, cut air to the compartment and close fuel shut-offs.
Position the boat so wind carries smoke away.
If not under control, call for help immediately and prepare to abandon ship.

Water Ingress / Flooding

Activate all bilge pumps (automatic and manual) at once.
Find the source (failed seacock, hull crack, etc.).
Plug leaks temporarily with wooden/conical bungs, cushions, towels—whatever works.
If the situation worsens and water rises, call for help immediately and ready the life raft.

Section 4: How to Make a Distress Call (VHF Channel 16)

In real danger, VHF is your most important tool. Two key calls: MAYDAY (grave & imminent danger) and PAN-PAN (urgent but not life-threatening).

MAYDAY Format: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name]. Call sign [Call Sign]. My position is [Latitude, Longitude]. Nature of distress: [e.g., taking on water / on fire]. Assistance required: [e.g., immediate assistance requested]. Persons on board: [number]. Other info: [e.g., 12 m sailing yacht, hull color red]. OVER.”

After the call, listen on Channel 16 for a reply from Coast Guard or nearby stations.

Life-Saving Tip: The Grab Bag

Keep a waterproof “grab bag” in an always-accessible place. Include copies of passports/IDs, handheld VHF, flares, a small first-aid kit, water, high-energy snacks, flashlight, spare batteries, and essential personal medications. If you must abandon ship, grab the bag and go.

Sea Safety 101: Calm, Prepared, and Ready for Emergencies