Sailing along the Costa Brava is an unforgettable experience, but like any activity at sea, it requires preparation, responsibility, and a proactive attitude toward unforeseen events. Despite all safety measures, unexpected situations such as technical problems, adverse weather conditions, or personal incidents can arise. Therefore, it is vital to know what to do if you find yourself in an emergency at sea.
At Rent Boat Costa Brava, we are not only concerned with offering you the best sailing experience, but also with ensuring that every trip is safe. In this detailed guide, we explain how to act in different emergency scenarios, how to prevent them, and what resources are available to you when you rent a boat on the Costa Brava.
1. The importance of prevention: before setting sail
The best way to handle an emergency is to prevent it from happening. Good planning can make the difference between a safe departure and a dangerous situation.
Safety checklist before heading out to sea:
- Check the weather forecast. Never set sail without knowing the wind, swell, and visibility conditions.
- Check the condition of the boat. Check the engine, fuel level, navigation lights, and anchor.
- Make sure you have the necessary safety equipment. A life jacket per person, lifebuoys, flares, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit are required.
- Communicate your sailing plan. Inform someone you trust about your planned route and estimated return time.
- Bring a fully charged cell phone and a portable charger. A GPS or VHF radio is also recommended, if the boat has one.
💡 Tip: At Rent Boat Costa Brava, all our boats undergo regular inspections and are equipped with safety equipment so you can sail safely.
2. Most common emergencies at sea and how to act
Although many fear sudden storms or engine failure, most emergencies at sea can be handled successfully if you act calmly and with knowledge.
2.1. Engine stall or mechanical failure
This is one of the most common incidents, especially in unlicensed boats or small boats.
What to do:
- Stay calm and warn the other crew members.
- If the boat is drifting, drop the anchor to prevent it from drifting further.
- Contact the rental company or Maritime Rescue.
- If you are near the coast, avoid swimming to seek help unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid this: by checking the fuel, performing starting checks, and making sure there are no floating objects near the propeller.
2.2. Unexpected bad weather
The Costa Brava can experience wind changes or adverse conditions, especially outside of summer.
What to do:
- Reduce your speed and sail to a safe area (a nearby cove or port).
- Put on your life jacket immediately.
- Close open compartments and make sure all equipment is secured.
- Stay informed via radio or weather apps.
Avoid it by: always checking the weather forecast and avoiding sailing if there is a warning or forecast of sudden changes.
Una de las emergencias más críticas en el mar, especialmente si la persona no lleva chaleco.
2.3. Man Overboard
One of the most critical emergencies at sea, especially if the person is not wearing a life jacket.
What to do:
- Shout “Man overboard!” to alert everyone.
- Keep an eye on the person. Designate someone to keep them located.
- Reduce speed and maneuver slowly to approach.
- Throw a lifebuoy or rope with a float.
- Help the person climb aboard, avoiding sudden movements that could compromise the stability of the boat.
Avoid this: Make sure all occupants wear a life jacket, especially if they don’t know how to swim or if there are rough waves.
2.4. Injuries or health problems on board
From cuts caused by equipment on board to extreme seasickness or heat exhaustion.
What to do:
- Assess the severity of the situation.
- Apply first aid if necessary and contact emergency services if you cannot return to port.
- If the boat has a skipper, they will know what to do and can notify the authorities.
- Avoid continuing to sail if the person needs urgent care.
Avoid this by: always carrying a complete first-aid kit and staying hydrated, especially in summer.
3. How to ask for help at sea
When you’re faced with an emergency that you can’t handle on your own, the most important thing is to ask for help quickly.
Communication options:
- Mobile phone: Call 112 (Emergencies) or 900 202 202 (Maritime Rescue in Spain).
- VHF radio: Channel 16 for maritime emergencies.
- Mobile apps such as SafeTrx or Navily allow you to send your location and share your route plan.
When you call or contact Maritime Rescue, please provide:
- Your location (use the navigation app or GPS coordinates).
- Type of emergency.
- Number of people on board.
- Current status of the vessel.
- Contact phone number.
4. What to do after an emergency at sea
Once the situation is under control, it’s important to follow up on what happened.
- Check all safety equipment and replace any used equipment.
- Notify the rental company if there were any technical problems or damage.
- Evaluate the situation with your group and learn from the experience.
- If there was an emergency response, consider filing a report to help improve future protocols.
At Rent Boat Costa Brava, we greatly value our customers’ feedback. If you experienced a difficult situation, we invite you to let us know so we can continue improving our services.
5. Extra tips for safe sailing on the Costa Brava
- Sail with others whenever possible.
- Avoid consuming alcohol if you’re piloting the boat.
- Familiarize yourself with the boat before setting out: locate safety equipment, the anchor, the emergency stop button, etc.
- Download nautical apps such as Windy, Navionics, or MarineTraffic.
- Check local navigation and anchoring regulations, especially in natural parks and protected areas.
Emergencies at sea are situations that can happen even to the most experienced sailors. The key is to be prepared, act calmly, and follow established protocols to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
The sea can be unpredictable, but it’s also generous to those who respect it. At Rent Boat Costa Brava, our commitment is not only to offer safe boats but also to educate our customers so that each trip is as unforgettable as it is safe.
If you’re planning to rent a boat on the Costa Brava, our team will be happy to advise you so you can set off with complete confidence. Whether you’re looking for unlicensed boats for beginners or skippered boats for more advanced trips, we’ll give you the tools to enjoy the sea safely.
