Running aground is a common issue for boaters, but it can be avoided with proper knowledge and precautions. If you do find yourself in this situation, knowing the right actions to take can minimize damage and ensure safety. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps to take if you run aground and actions to avoid running aground in the first place.
Actions to Take When You Run Aground
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
- Remain Composed: Panic can exacerbate the situation. Stay calm and think clearly. The first step is to assess your surroundings and understand the extent of the situation.
- Evaluate the Grounding: Determine if you’re on sand, mud, rocks, or another type of surface. Determine the extent of the shallow water. This assessment will influence your next steps.
2. Check for Damage
- Inspect the Boat: Determine if the boat sustained hull damage or propeller damage. Check for leaks or breaches. If you detect any serious structural damage, consider this in your next steps.
- Monitor Water Levels: Ensure the bilge pump is working and there’s no excessive water intake. Continuous monitoring is crucial to avoid further complications.
3. Ensure All Passengers Are Safe
- Check on Everyone: Ensure that all passengers are safe and accounted for. Make sure everyone is wearing a PFD or flotation device and is in a secure location on the boat.
- Stay Calm: Communicate calmly and clearly with your passengers to keep the situation under control.
4. Lighten the Load
- Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary weight by moving passengers to one side or off the boat if it’s safe to do so. Reducing the load can make it easier to free the boat.
- Shift Cargo: Move heavy items to a part of the boat that might help dislodge it from the grounding point. Balance and weight distribution can play a significant role in your efforts to break your boat loose.
5. Attempt to Reverse
- Gently Reverse: Identify where there is deeper water and try to back off the ground slowly. Don’t use full power, as this can cause further damage or dig you deeper into the ground. Gentle and steady attempts are more effective. If your vessel is fitted with an outboard engine, trim the engine slightly upward before operating astern propulsion.
- Use Oars or Poles: If the motor isn’t effective, use the spare oar or poles to push the boat off. Manual efforts can sometimes provide the needed leverage.
6. Call for Assistance
- Use a VHF Radio: If self-rescue is not possible, use a VHF radio to call for help from other boaters or the coast guard. Clear communication of your location and situation is essential. If you are in grave or immediate danger, transmit a Mayday message.
- Signal for Help: Use visual signals like waving arms, distress flags, or flares if necessary. Make sure you have these items readily available for emergencies. For a complete list of safety equipment needed onboard, reference: 10 Essential Pieces of Boat Safety Equipment You Need.
7. Wait for High Tide
- Monitor Tides: If you’re in a tidal area, waiting for a rising tide might naturally lift a grounded boat. Timing your attempts with the tides can be highly effective. You can find tidal predictions in the NOAA Tides and Currents site
- Prepare the Boat: While waiting, ensure the boat is secure and that further damage is prevented. Keep the boat stable and prepare for the next steps once the tide rises.
Actions to Avoid Running Aground
1. Know Your Charts and Maps
- Use Nautical Charts: Always navigate with an updated nautical chart to know the water depths and potential local underwater hazards. Knowledge of your area is the first step to safe navigation.
- Electronic Navigation: Utilize GPS and electronic chart plotters to stay aware of your surroundings. Do not however rely solely on GPS, as it has inherint errors. These tools provide real-time information that can prevent accidents. Some chart plotter systems, such as ECDIS, will also allow you to set a shallow alarm alert (safety depths and safety contours).
2. Monitor Water Depth
- Use a Depth Sounder: Continuously monitor the water depth with a depth finder to avoid shallow areas and submerged objects. Knowing the depth beneath your boat helps you navigate safely. To make this useful, you must also have a good understanding of your vessel’s particulars such as it’s draft.
- Keep an Eye on Tide Tables: Understand the tides and their impact on water depth in your area. Tides can significantly alter the depth and should be monitored regularly.
3. Stay in Marked Channels
- Follow Buoys and Markers: Navigate within marked channels where the water is deeper and hazards are less likely. Buoys and markers are there to guide you safely.
- Understand Marker Colors: Learn the color and number system of buoys and markers for safe navigation. Different colors and numbers have specific meanings that are crucial for avoiding hazards. Check out the National Maritime College for more information on bouys and their meanings.
4. Maintain a Proper Lookout
- Designate a Watch: Always have someone on watch, especially in unfamiliar waters. An extra pair of eyes can spot potential hazards before they become a problem.
- Watch for Changes: Look out for color changes in the water, which might indicate shallower areas. Water color can give clues about depth and underwater obstacles.
5. Control Your Speed
- Slow Down: Reduce to a safe speed in shallow or unfamiliar waters to give yourself more time to react to potential hazards. Slower speeds allow for better control and quicker stops.
- Be Cautious: Avoid high speeds in areas where there’s a risk of running aground. High speeds can lead to severe damage if you hit a shallow spot or underwater obstacle.
6. Plan Your Route
- Pre-Trip Planning: Plan your route before setting out, considering depth, tides, and potential obstacles. Talk to local marinas for local knowledge of shallow waters in the area. A well-thought-out plan reduces the risk of unexpected surprises.
- Stay Updated: Check local notices to mariners and weather forecasts for any changes that might affect your route. Regular updates ensure that you are aware of current conditions and potential hazards.
Conclusion
Accidents happen: running aground occurs to everyone at some point and can be a stressful and potentially damaging event, but by staying calm and following the right steps, you can minimize the impact. More importantly, taking proactive measures to avoid running aground in the first place can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Utilize nautical charts, monitor water depths, stay in marked channels, maintain a proper lookout, control your speed, and plan your route carefully. By doing so, you can navigate the waters safely and confidently.
Understanding underwater hadzards and staying aware of your surroundings are key components of safe boating. Regular maintenance of your navigational tools and staying informed about local water conditions can significantly reduce the chances of running aground. Always be prepared for the unexpected, and ensure that your safety equipment is in good working order.
Boating is an enjoyable activity, but it requires responsibility and vigilance. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a novice, understanding and implementing these practices will enhance your boating experience and ensure that you and your passengers remain safe.
