Emergencies on Board

Your Guide to Safety and Peace at Sea

Emergencies on Board

A sailing trip is an adventure that promises freedom and unforgettable moments. However, unexpected situations can also occur at sea. An emergency on board is a challenge that requires calmness, knowledge, and quick decisions. At Sun Charter, we place the utmost importance on your safety. Our yachts are well-equipped, and we want you to feel safe even in critical moments.

This guide prepares you for the most common emergencies and shows you how to react correctly.

The Golden Rule: Stay Calm and Act

Panic is the greatest enemy in an emergency. Take a deep breath, get an overview, and then act systematically. Remember the order: Person – Ship – Area.

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Man Overboard (MOB):

Immediately shout "Man Overboard!" and mark the position (e.g., with your finger). Throw a lifebuoy with light. Press the MOB button on the GPS. Start the engine and turn the yacht to return to the person (Quick-Stop Maneuver).

Act according to the situation: If necessary, establish radio contact (Mayday or Pan-Pan) and communicate position and situation.

Rescue: Safely bring the person on board. If unconscious or injured, provide first aid and call the international emergency number 112.

Fire on Board:

Shout "Fire on Board!" Locate the source and immediately fight it with a fire extinguisher (P-A-S-S rule: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Turn off the engine, close the gas supply, and turn off ventilation. Close all hatches and doors to cut off the oxygen supply.

Evacuation: If the fire is uncontrollable, prepare the liferaft and evacuate.

Sun Charter Info: A safety briefing is part of every crew briefing and is mandatory! It's important to know where all the fire extinguishers are located on board and how they work.

Water Ingress / Leak:

Shout "Water Ingress!" Locate the leak and try to plug it (e.g., with wooden wedges, cushions, sails).

Turn on bilge pumps (manual and automatic).

Start the engine and head for the nearest port or shallow bay.

Communication: Send a Pan-Pan call, contact the base - communicate the situation and position.

Sun Charter Info: Familiarize yourself with the seacocks and bilge pumps during the yacht handover so you know how to operate them.

Medical Emergency:

Provide first aid (treat wounds, recovery position, resuscitation). Call for help – via VHF radio or phone: International emergency number 112. Describe the patient's symptoms and condition accurately.

Communication: Send a Mayday-Medical call if there is a life-threatening situation.

Sun Charter Info: Every yacht is required to have a comprehensive first aid kit – even for minor injuries, it's important that several people know where it is stored – safety briefing!

Mast Break / Rig Damage:

Shout "Mast Break!" so the crew can get to safety. Start the engine and head into the wind to minimize rigging movement.

Try to secure or cut the rigging to prevent further damage to the hull and people.

Communication: Depending on the severity of the situation: Inform the base or send a Pan-Pan call if the yacht is unmanageable.

Sun Charter Info: Check the rigging for visible damage or loose turnbuckles before each trip to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Emergency Communication: Mayday and Pan-Pan

Mayday: For situations with immediate danger to life and limb or the yacht (e.g., water ingress, fire, severe medical emergency).

Pan-Pan: For urgent, but not life-threatening situations (e.g., engine failure, rig damage, medical emergency without life threat).

How to make an emergency call:

Sun Charter Support in an Emergency

IMPORTANT: Always call the international emergency number 112 first in medical emergencies – if a person is seriously injured or unresponsive or if you cannot assess the severity of an injury. The trained medical personnel at 112 will guide you over the phone, send help, and determine the condition of the injured/sick person with targeted questions. Therefore, in severe injuries where you need medical help, always call the emergency number first before contacting your charter base – do not waste time in medical emergencies.

Your charter base is not trained to guide or organize medical assistance. Our bases are your direct line to help with problems, accidents, and damage to the yacht. Please always contact us immediately – our experienced teams at the bases support you in every situation and organize help as quickly as possible. Your safety is our highest priority.