The first step happens well before you ever set foot on the boat. This means it's crucial that you be prepared:

First of all, be sure there are enough life jackets and/or flotation devices to support everyone on board. It may also be wise to pack a pop-up life raft in the event that your boat begins to sink.

First aid items are also a must, including bandages, medication, sunscreen, antibacterial creams, and other items that can be useful in a crisis. It should be equipped with a book to show you how to perform basic procedures.

Non-perishable food and emergency water packets will also be useful, as will an emergency radio with extra batteries to call for help. Blankets and warm, but lightweight, clothes in a waterproof bag can keep your body temperature from dropping in a storm.

The second thing to do is call for help, preferably the sooner the better:

At the first sign of trouble, use your emergency VHF radio to make a distress call to the Coast Guard, who stay on frequency 16. You’ll state your location, the name of your boat, the number of people on board, if there are any injuries, and how long you think you’ll be able to stay afloat. If you know the exact cause of your boat sinking, that may be helpful as well.

Don’t wait until it’s time to abandon ship to make the call. As soon as something goes wrong, get to your radio.

Also, while you'd never want to risk your life, it's worth considering if saving the boat before abandoning it is an option:

This is an expensive investment that you wouldn’t want to lose. Never put your own life ahead of the ship’s well-being, but if there’s a way to stop a leak or to preserve the ship before you abandon it, take that opportunity because you may not have another chance.

What do you think of these tips? Have you ever been in a situation like this? What did you do? Share your thoughts and your experiences in the comment section below!

Article Source: American Preppers Network