If you had to perform a rescue at sea would you know what to do? Would your partner, guests, family, or friends sailing with you know what to do? In this video, we explain and show you a recent REAL Man Overboard that we experienced. While we were sailing a mile or so off the coast of Grenada we came across two men floating, about to drown actually, and we were able to save them. We also had new guests on board. It was a crazy situation!
When you’re out sailing will you be prepared to save a casualty?
When we set sail in 2013 we created checklists and broadcast templates to help us with the VHF Radio. The templates included a MAYDAY, Pan-Pan, Securite template to name a few. The templates start off with a checklist on what to do with the VHF followed by a script on the exact words to say – including our MMSI number and call sign. Those checklists sat in our Navigation Station drawer for all these years never used.
But, boy, did they come in hand recently!
In addition to knowing what to do with our VHF during a rescue at sea, we also practice Man Overboard drills. We throw a fender overboard and do our preferred (quick and easy) MOB procedure to make sure we can quickly recover the fender. When we have new guests onboard we go through our VHF procedure and our Man Overboard procedure before heading out to sea.
On this particular occasion, we had a new Britican Experience family join us – it was their very first day and their very first sail on Britican when the rescue happened. Watch the video to get the full story.
Rescue At Sea Video
Make Sure Your SAFE Before Heading Out To Sea!
Watch our Boat Safety Blueprint Video and get a copy of our Boat Safety Audit checklist. Request access here: Boat Safety Blueprint & Audit
Other Articles About Rescue At Sea
- Watch and read our article/video: How to Prevent Boat Fails
- More about how to use the VHF radio: How To Make A VHF Radio Call and Sending A MAYDAY
- If you’d like to see how we do a MOB procedure check out: Quickest & Easiest Man Overboard
- Check out all our boat safety type articles and videos here: Boat Safety
- Checklists will help you to keep safe. Get our 50+ Checklist Suggestions here: Suggested Checklists For Sailors
- Also, check out our shop for a variety of guides that include checklists here: Britican Shop
Any questions or comments about our Rescue At Sea video?
Please leave them below.
Curt Feldman says
You guys did great!! Bravo!! Thanks for recounting the event in the video and for providing the checklists (just requested!). Safety is such an important issue for boaters…couldn’t agree with you more. And just as important close to shore. No real statement here, just a howdy and thumbs up on the video. __ Curt in Hawaii (beyond.the.bnd on instagram). Cheers!
Kim Brown says
Thank you for the kind message Curt – we really appreciate it 🙂 Kim
W.W. says
06.02.2020 Saving Tourism
Hi All!
Turks and Caicos reopen July 22.2020.
Restaurants opening July 06.2020.
Retailers opening June 05.2020.
St.Lucia opening phase June 04.2020 requiring visitors to have a negative corona virus test.
U.S.Virgin Islands opening June 01.2020.
U.S.,Canadian & European flights will resume.
Kim Brown says
Thank you for the update W.W. – And Grenada opens at the end of June. None of us know how it’s going to happen but the government is working towards it. We’re all just looking forward to being able to socialize again. 🙂 Kim
Phil. says
Lake boats have to be 14 foot yet they were in an 8 foot.
Kim Brown says
Have you ever been to the Caribbean Phil? Unfortunately, there are no rules down here… Kim
Jason and Donna Owen says
I’ve recently discovered your blogs and website. I love it! My wife Donna, adult special needs son Kody, and myself are on a 1 year plan to buy a boat to liveaboard. We are leaning towards the Carver 444 or SeaRay415. I know you sail but could you offer insights or point me to past blogs or videos that discuss the financial needs to make the transition. Also, once the COVID19 issues subside and you reopen your week long trip schedule, we will be seeking to get a booking. I saw you dad isn’t doing well, please know you are all in my prayers. Thanks so much.
Kim Brown says
Hey Jason, Donna, and Kody. Great to hear from you. We have friends that had a Carver 444 and loved it. What area do you plan on boating in? Regarding costings, in my Sailboat Buying Guide, I have chapter on Boat Ownership Costs. There are three cost centers overall. Buying the boat, getting the boat ready for what you want to do and then there are the ongoing costs. I go through most of the areas that are going to cost you money and depending on what boat you buy, where you spend your time and what your ‘normal’ lifestyle costs are like you need to figure out the figures. So…I can’t tell you how much it will cost but I can tell you what is going to cost you money. I think there are over 200 things I have listed. More on the guide here: https://sailingbritican.com/product/sailboat-buying-guide-for-cruisers/ Regarding our Britican experience, send over your phone number and a good time to call and Simon would be happy to give you a ring to discuss options. He will surely be able to give you some pointers on costings over the phone too. And thank you for Simon’s dad – he’s actually doing really good now! Thank God. Stay healthy and be safe. Smiles, Kim
Douwe de Boer says
The one thing yo forgot to mention Kim, is the fact that if you can do a job yourself it saves a ton of boat bucks. Usual the materials aren’t going to break the bank but the labor will. So you gotta be prepared to become a super fixer. Something might need expert help. Though there are a lot of things you can do yourself and safe tons of cash.
Kim Brown says
Very true Douwe! Very true 🙂