Engine failure: What do you do if you have an accident?
In this article, we'll give you practical advice on how to both prevent engine failure and how to handle the situation if it does happen. We'll also go through the most important preparation and maintenance tips to help you avoid problems on the water so you can enjoy your boating experience with peace of mind.
The vast majority of boaters have experienced problems with their engine at one time or another. Some things you can fix yourself, while others require a helping hand. But good preparation and checking your boat's gear will go a long way. Engine stalling is a frequent problem
Last year was Danish Sea Rescue Society (DSRS) out to 958 actions, and according to their annual report, this makes 2023 the busiest year in the company's 20-year history. DSRS estimates an average of 2.5 people per vessel, which means that last year around 2500 sailors found themselves in a problematic situation at sea that they could not solve themselves.
The DSRS annual report also shows that as many as 70% of actions are due to engine problems or groundings. This is followed by damage to the vessel, which accounts for 13% of actions. This could be broken masts, rudder damage, leaks and similar problems.
It's clear that many people find themselves in need of assistance due to equipment or engine failure, which is why it's important to take good care of your engine and check your boat's gear. Although you can never predict what will happen at sea, regular maintenance can greatly reduce the risk of ending up in a situation where you need assistance.
How do you prevent engine failure?
It's a good idea to follow these 5 sailing tips if you want to have a safe trip at sea. When you can check them out, you're more likely to get home safely. When it comes to engine failure, sailing tip number 2: keep your gear in order, is particularly relevant because it is precisely gear and engine failures that are responsible for the vast majority of rescue operations.
The 5 sailing tips:
Learn to sail
Keep your gear in order
Plan your trip
Have a lifeline to shore
Wear the vest
Make it a good habit to do a small gear check every time you set sail. For example, you can check that:
Water separator filter for water-free fuel
There's enough fuel for the trip and a little extra reserve in case the trip changes.
Check the engine oil is OK by pulling up the dipstick and seeing if there is enough oil. Also check that the engine cooling is OK by looking for water spray or water in the exhaust when it is started.
Indenbords dieselmotor med lækage
Pay special attention if you have a diesel engine
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to engine problems is diesel poisoning. These are tiny microorganisms that feed on diesel fuel. They require water to live, so they appear if there is moisture in the tank. Over time, they build up as brown lumps that clog the filters, which means the engine doesn't get enough diesel. Eventually, it will die and it will only come back to life when the tank, hoses and filters are completely cleaned of the diesel plague.
As the diesel plague requires water to thrive, it is important to avoid condensation. When the diesel in the tank is used, air enters the tank and if there is a temperature difference between that air and the sides of the tank, condensation will form. Therefore, it's a good idea to fill the tank completely at regular intervals to reduce the amount of air that can cause condensation. You can also occasionally take a few longer trips under power so that the same diesel oil doesn't sit in the tank for too long. In addition, there are additives you can add when refueling. They work preventively by limiting the amount of condensation. Of course, it's also important to think about what you fill up with. Preferably use marine diesel, avoid diesel that has been sitting in a can for a long time and never recycle old diesel.
If you're unlucky enough to experience an engine failure in the middle of a sailing trip despite all the precautions you've taken, there's still plenty of help available.
The first thing you need to do is assess how critical the situation is. Find out where you are and if there is anything nearby that you need to be aware of. In the vast majority of cases, the situation will not be urgent, but if you are drifting towards a dangerous area, you may need to act quickly. For example, if your engine has stopped while you were crossing a major shipping lane. Then you could be a danger to navigation. If you are in distress - or a danger to navigation, call JRCC on VHF channel 16 or dial 1-1-2.
The anchor is also safety equipment
In all cases, it's important to calm the situation. You can do this by dropping an anchor to keep your boat under control. The anchor is also part of your safety equipment, because with it you don't have to worry about where the boat will drift and you can make sure it stays in an area where there is enough water. How long you have to wait for help can vary, but you may have to wait a while. So even if the wind is calm and the boat is drifting slowly, it can still move a lot, especially if there is a current.
Drive anchors
If the engine fails in bad weather conditions or in deep water, you can throw a drift anchor instead. Instead of attaching to the seabed like a regular anchor, a drift anchor creates resistance in the water, reducing the boat's speed while stabilizing the boat in the water. You can buy them ready-made in the marine storesor, if you need to, you can also tie your thickest rope together into one long rope and throw it overboard, attached to both cleats aft, starboard and port respectively. This will create a large bow in the water and function a bit like a real drift anchor.
Who should you call?
Once the boat is under control, you can call for help. There are several ways to call for assistance. If you have a VHF, you can call on channel 16, as there may be ships nearby that can help you. If you're close to a harbor, you might want to call in to see if there's a boat there that can help you in.
You can also use your cell phone. If you have followed sailing tip 4: Have a lifeline to shore, and have, for example, installed the SejlSikkert Alarm app in advance, you can call for assistance with it and your location will be automatically transmitted. You can also call the Danish Maritime Rescue Society, who will ask for your location so they can send help. When you call them, it's a good idea to also let them know how many people are on board.
The SejlSikkert Alarm app is free to use, and getting help from the Danish Sea Rescue Society is always free, whether you are a member or not. You can also download the app Søredningen, which makes it easy to get assistance from the Danish Sea Rescue Society. Just send an SMS to 1416 and write APP. You will then receive a link to download the free app.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
