One of the most terrifying situations when boating is capsizing. Watercrafts capsize for a multitude of reasons, but no matter how it occurs, you are at risk of severe injury or death. As a former 200 ton master captain, I was highly trained in marine survival should the unthinkable happen. So what should you do if your boat capsizes?

Why Do Boats Capsize

Without question, boats capsize under varying circumstances and surprisingly on sunny calm days. Here are the most common reasons that cause watercraft to capsize. 

Plumbing 

One of the most common reasons boats fill with water and roll is faulty plumbing. Undoubtedly, hoses come loose due to vibration and pounding from rough water. 

Unfortunately, hoses such as bilge pump discharges or raw water intake lines come free during the worst time, when the vessel is offshore. 

Consequently, intake lines flood the vessel’s bilge at a rapid rate. If the bilge pump cannot remove water quickly enough, the boat becomes unstable and ultimately rolls over. 

Rough Seas

Comparatively, rough seas are similar to disconnected intake hose lines. When the waters are high, they mainly affect small boats. Waves crash over the bow. As water rushes in, the bilge pump fails to keep up again, causing the vessel to flounder and roll. 

Navigating Inlets

One of the most avoidable causes of boats capsizing is navigating rough inlets where inland coastal waters meet the open ocean. 

Inlets are particularly prone to rough conditions when the wind and current oppose each other. The opposition creates massive and sharply angled seas. 

Interestingly, boats encounter trouble navigating inlets in three different ways. First, attempting to drive straight into steep waves and flip backwards. Second, making an effort to turn around and taking a wave over the side of the boat. Lastly, operating at slow speeds and allowing waves to break over the bow. 

No matter the three scenarios, all of the above are why boats capsize while navigating out of or into inlets.  

What Should You Do If Your Boat Capsizes?

In the unfortunate event that your boat capsizes for any reason, here is what you should do to increase your chances of rescue. 

Attempt To Salvage Life Saving Equipment

Unquestionably life jackets are best when worn compared to being stowed in an onboard storage bin.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of boaters do not wear life saving equipment. In the event the boat rolls, locate any ad all floating objects. The floating objects are crucial in aiding victims to remain afloat and increasing the chances of being spotted by rescue crews. Consider the visibility of boating gear bundled together compared to a few bobbing heads at sea. 

Locate Passengers

If the boat capsizes, it is essential to locate all passengers onboard who are now in the water. It should be noted that seconds and minutes count regarding life or death. 

Upon entering the water, ensure to locate all passengers but remember that they may be trapped underneath the overturned boat. In this situation, guide the person free as they will likely be disoriented. Unfortunately, people are knocked unconscious due to the vessel striking the person, so it is imperative to look off in the distance in all directions for victims. 

Climb Aboard The Vessel

I cannot stress this enough, never stray from the vessel unless of course it is engulfed in flames and would cause further harm. 

The overturned vessel is somewhat comparable to a life raft in two ways. First, the keel is the highest point and, due to its height, often keeps victims out of the water to reduce the likelihood of hypothermia. Secondly, overturned watercraft are more easily spotted by boats and rescue helicopters. 

Always remain close to the vessel to increase your chances of being rescued.

Attempt To Make Contact

Making contact with fellow boaters or by phone will help lessen the time that passes before you and your passengers are plucked from the water. 

One tip of advice is to store a cell phone in a plastic bag before placing it in a pocket. The plastic bag prevents the phone from becoming rendered useless if you end up overboard in a moment’s notice. Utilize the cell phone to call for help. 

If you do not have a phone, wave down passing vessels or low flying helicopters. Rapid movements of the arms and hands with bright colored objects such as life jackets will be more highly visible. 

Use These Methods In The Event Your Boat Capsizes

Every boater’s nightmare is a capsizing situation. Importantly, do your best to avoid situations that make more boats more prone to taking on water. However, you can only sometimes avoid factors that lead to watercraft rolling. If you and your passengers end up in the water, you know what to do if your boat capsizes.