Basic at-sea troubleshooting

Engine will not start

1. Check the battery switch, the kill switch or lanyard, and the gear lever in neutral.
2. Check the fuel valve, the tank level and the filters for water.
3. Bleed air from the fuel system if you ran a tank dry.
4. Check the stop control is reset.

Engine overheats

1. Shut the engine down.
2. Check the raw-water seacock is open and the strainer is clean.
3. Check the exhaust for water flow once restarted. No water means a failed impeller or a blocked intake.
4. Check the belt and the coolant level when the engine is cool.

Fouled propeller

Stop the engine, take the key out, and look for a line or net round the prop. A sailboat can sail while you dive in calm water, with a knife and a tether, or call for a tow. Never go into the water with the engine running.

Water in the boat

1. Find the source. Check seacocks, hoses, the stern gland and the cockpit drains.
2. Close the nearest seacock or fit a bung.
3. Run all bilge pumps and bucket if needed.
4. Call for help early. See below.

Steering failure

Fit the emergency tiller. Sailboats can steer with the sails and the engine. See Keel, rudder and steering inspection.

Electrical failure

Check fuses and the battery switch first. Know where the spare fuses are, and carry a handheld VHF and a handheld GPS.

Calling for help

• VHF channel 16. Use Mayday for danger to life or the vessel, and Pan-Pan for an urgent problem. A DSC distress button sends your position.
• Telephone in Spanish waters: Salvamento Marítimo on 900 202 202, or the general emergency number 112. Confirm the current numbers before the season.
• Give your position, the boat, the number of people and the problem.

Drills

Practise man-overboard, engine shutdown, bilge pumping and a radio call with the whole crew. See Hiring a skipper for training.

Related guides

• Essential safety equipment by flag and category
• Hiring a skipper for training
• Mechanical survey and oil analysis