Unfortunately, boating accidents occur often nowadays. Especially during the past, the misadventures at sea were sometimes inevitable. But, it isn’t just sailing a risky activity. Other activities performed on land can also become dangerous. It all depends on one’s level, experience, and sometimes it’s just a misfortune. And going beyond the headlines, there are different causes of accidents to blame. So, what are the most common causes of accidents at sea and how to easily prevent them? And, which are the most common sailing accidents? Let’s find out!

Most Common Causes of Sailing Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Running out of Gas

If this happens, you’ll be really lucky if the marine towing company can quickly come to your aid in form of a gas can. However, if it happens and you run out of gas in the middle of the Gulf Stream, or in the North Atlantic Ocean, the situation would be unquestionably difficult. But, is this possible to happen? Well, yes… Maybe you miscalculated by mistake and burned up too much fuel on the voyage, or you cruised longer than planned. Maybe there were unexpected storms that made you to ran offshore so to avoid them. So, it’s important to plan ahead in order to prevent this from happening. You have to calculate how much fuel you will need until you can refuel and always add a bit more to your calculations.

Running Aground

Running aground happens when there is no longer deep enough water for the sailboat to float. Sometimes, this happens intentionally, for instance, when you perform maintenance or load cargo. But, the most common reasons are due to misinformation about water depths, operator error, or a change in the bottom structure of a waterway. So, when you’re sailing in unknown seas, take some time before launching to consult a nautical chart of the area.

Moreover, consider talking to local marinas and boaters to get the inside scoop on local underwater dangers. Most of the time, they know to consult you about where to go and where not to. And, don’t forget to keep a proper lookout while sailing. You have to look for buoys and markers that indicate shallow waters, and you also have to keep your eyes peeled for shoals and sandbars that can be difficult to spot. Bear in mind that most accidents occur on calm, clear days with light winds. And, often it is simply not keeping a lookout that gets boaters into trouble.

Speed at Night

One of the main causes of sailing accidents is not assessing the correct speed in terms of conditions or setting. And, even more, while you’re sailing during the night where you can’t always trust your senses to determine a clear path. I know that an open body of water is the perfect place to test a boat’s speed. But, sometimes slower or faster speeds make other boats, dangers, and obstacles easier to see. There are specific laws requiring sailors to heavily reduce their speed when in close proximity to anchored vessels or marinas. So, always think carefully beforehand, assess the current situation, and act accordingly. Like this, you won’t put yourself or your crew in danger.

Underestimate the Weather

Sailors once got weather updates only from dedicated weather radios or marine (VHF) radios. After that, there were the new stereo systems added settings for NOAA weather channels. Now with your laptop or smartphone, you are able to download reliable weather apps, including live radar. And, of course, keeping a piloting lookout is also really important. Moreover, keep a weather lookout too, and never leave the marina if you believe that weather conditions will be unstable.

Sinking

What can sink boats? Well, it might sound weird but most often it’s a hole in the boat, that might be made intentionally for a through-hull fitting. Brass through-hulls are best, but plastic ones are less expensive and corrosion-resistant. However, plastic fittings can crack if overtightened, although they don’t easily leak until long after that happens. Always, check wiggle through-hulls for any possible damage, and don’t omit to check the bilge for water, as well. In addition, check the bilge pump and the bilge plug. And, if you have anti-sinking insurance, then include a selection of wooden bungs for quick-plugging holes, including through-hulls.

Catching Fire

Boat fires are not that often thanks to spark-protected mechanical systems and double-clamped fuel lines. However, it’s advisable to be careful and also add it to your insurance. Check regularly the bilge for fuel fumes. Also, look for obvious fuel spills or leaks, or a rainbow-hued slick on bilge water. Bear in mind no to start the engine without running the bilge blower for a minimum of 5 minutes. It’s also of high importance to have fire extinguishers aboard, appropriate for fuel or electrical fires, and of course, charged.

Most Common Sailing Accidents

>>Also Read: Is It Dangerous to Sail Around the World?

Falling Overboard

An overboard fall can be quite embarrassing, especially if you knock yourself out on the way over. Keep in mind that you don’t naturally float face up, so be sure to wear a life jacket that will help you to turn over. Moreover, remember that if you’re sailing solo and fall overboard you will likely watch the boat run off into the distance — in this case, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Always wear the emergency cut-off-switch lanyard or its electronic replacement that switches the motor if anyone wearing a sender falls over.

Over reliance on GPS and map plotters

Many sailors completely rely on modern sailing applications. But, blind trust in navigation technology might result in you ending up on a reef. Take for example Google Maps, which isn’t always accurate about locations and roads. And, as for sailing apps, keep in mind that small rocks and reefs are only visible when the plotter is zoomed closely, whereas, on a paper map, you can spot them immediately. So if you don’t zoom in, you won’t be able to see the rocks at all. And, this can happen to everyone even to the most experienced sailors. So, navigate carefully and don’t rely on GPS and electronic maps, or even on autopilot all the time. Sometimes, GPS can lose signal and give an inaccurate location, as well as smaller reefs might not be visible immediately. Consider carrying paper maps and nautical charts aboard.

Breaking Down

The U.S. Coast Guard states that serious accidents often stem from mechanical failure as well as from electrical damages. A damaged battery won’t be able to start the motor. Boat lights won’t be able to work either, so if a breakdown occurs during nighttime, you will be unable to leave and practically invisible. Many boats now have absorbed-glass mat batteries that require no maintenance and without involving leakage risks or battery-acid boil-off. However, in case you have a flooded-cell battery, check it regularly for proper fluid level, adding only distilled water if needed. Don’t forget to watch gauges for battery voltage; it shouldn’t be less than 12V. Lastly, carry a backup flashlight to use as a signal, and make sure your safety kit includes flares.

Underestimating danger

When you happen to misjudge the current situation and don’t anticipate unexpected risky conditions you automatically put yourself in danger. In addition, accidents can easily happen if the captain thinks that an anchorage is safe while in reality, it was incorrect. As a result, the anchor does not actually hold, the wind shifts, and if no one is on patrol, the boat can run aground or hit a rock.

Another common problem is the lack of information about berths, especially in city ports where the ferries’ arrivals and departures are frequent. So, while turning, a ferry can produce such huge waves in the port that the ship’s stern can hit the pier. This can cause severe damage to your boat. This is common in many crowded ports and marinas where this type of accident often occurs. And sometimes when anchoring in city ports, the bottom of the rudder can be damaged due to the shallow depth near the shore. This is because the water level drops during the night and at low tide. Keep in mind that low levels occur during strong north winds, where depth can become much lower even in safe ports. So, always obtain and evaluate information. 

Inexperience

As a responsible sailor, you have to be aware of the relevant laws for operating a boat, but also know any specifics of the vessel you’re operating out on the water. An excellent step, to begin with, is to take a boater education course in order to gain sufficient experience and understand how to operate your boat safely. Not only will you learn all the rules and regulations but also with the completion of the course you’ll save money on the insurance.

Under risky weather conditions or longer cruises with a less experienced crew, the captain tries to remain awake all the time, usually at the helm, and manage everything. This might lead to a state of chronic fatigue and reduced decision-making ability. Subsequently, this hazardous situation will lead to an accident. The boat’s captain must be the one who is always in the best possible condition. The captain must give confidence to the crew and also be aware of the crew’s experience.

So, when inexperienced operators are behind the wheel sailboat accidents are quite more frequent. However, sometimes it is also the sheer size of the vessel that can cause an accident. But, this is not that common with experienced captains. In a collision with a smaller boat, the boat may inflict more damage and injuries.

Lack of Safety Gear

Unfortunately, there are many sailors that neglect the safety equipment that has to be carried on board their boat. Or even worse, on themselves. I know that the phrase “wear always your life jacket”, has become quite ordinary but wearing it in dangerous situations the life jacket will save your life. The U.S. Coast Guard states that about half of drowning fatalities involve sailors without life jackets. Always make sure that your life jacket is the appropriate kind, size, and is practical for you.

The worst-case scenario is that if you happen to immerse in 50F degrees water, you have just a few moments of coordinated movement before your muscles weaken and making you unable to have your head out of the water. So, always wear a life jacket and have it in an easily accessible place. Put it on in rough weather, during night passages, and in cold weather. And, don’t ever leave the marina without working flares, lights or horn, and backup propulsion such as a canoe paddle. Anchors are also important safety objects as they’re the first line of defense in a breakdown or storm.

>>Also Read: Must-Have Boat Safety Equipment For Sailing

Improper Maintenance

Just like any other vehicle, boats need regular maintenance. If you fail to properly maintain and repair any damages you will cause severe risks to the boat or even cause it to capsize. Keep in mind that issues with the engine or steering can lead to serious injuries or accidents, and failing to have the appropriate equipment on board, such as life preservers, navigation lights, flares, etc, can put yourself and your boat at serious risk.

Alcohol Use

It is known that alcohol reduces attention and clouds judgment. Fortunately, it usually leads to less serious damage, and while in the harbor the most common accident is a scratched hull when docking. However, alcohol can also lead to more fatal accidents and even falling overboard. Not to mention that 58% of reported MOBs end in death. And, keep in mind that blood alcohol content (BAC) laws are the same for both sailors and drivers. Operating a boat with a BAC of greater than 0.08 is basically a criminal offense. And, it’s really common for people to load up their boat with beers and spend a relaxing day out on the water enjoying a few drinks. I know that this situation is a must when living the sailing adventure but always put safety first.

Boat Collisions

Boat collisions are another common type of boating accident. This mostly happens during the summers when many sailors take their boats to the water. A boat collision may be caused by overspeeding, inability to control the boat or simple negligence. When a boat collision happens, accidents and injuries range from mild to severe. This is also because the people on board are not securely attached to a seat as it happens in the car. During a collision, everyone is just flying around and colliding with other onboard objects. And this type of collision can lead to serious head injuries.

A Good Piece of Advice

• Always check over the boat thoroughly, as well as the condition of the sails and their fixings. And, if you’re in doubt make the appropriate replacements or repairs.
• Always take care of your sailboat, watch the surroundings, anticipate and prepare a backup plan.
• Apply any knowledge you have while onboard, before setting sail, and during the voyage. For example, think of a problem or a situation and do your best to prevent it beforehand. And, when something unexpected happens, you will be prepared and won’t try to search for a new solution.
• Train, gain practice, educate yourself, and try to come up with different solutions and crisis situations.
• Keep in mind that decision-making responsibility rests solely on the captain. So, if the captain assesses that you have to anchor or stop the voyage you have to follow his instructions.
• Navigating and operating the boat requires a specific level of skill and expertise. The captain is responsible for making sure the boat is navigated safely together by following all standard protocols. A captain who is inexperienced, a complete novice, or simply careless is more than likely to cause a boating accident.

The Bottom Line

Many boat accidents occur each year, and although a number of factors contribute, most of them share similar characteristics and many would have been avoidable if the captain had taken the appropriate precautions. A lot of these accidents require just common sense, but when you act negligently there’s the possibility of reversing a tranquil and peaceful situation a potential nightmare. While there’s never a guarantee you can avoid an accident, by assessing your actions, staying aware of your surroundings, and exercising good judgment you will be able to reduce the risk of a boating accident. Accidents at sea continue to happen and it is good to try to understand their cause. And, through this knowledge, we can effectively prevent our own accidents or resolve the next unexpected situation at sea.