Waters turn choppy as weather changes or when multiple boats arrive or depart a central gathering spot such as a large raft up or a fireworks display. Boat skippers should be aware of how the force of waves or wakes can cause capsizing or swamping.
When a boat rolls over onto its side or overturns, it is said to have capsized. Should it fill with water (such as from capsizing) but remains floating, it’s swamped. Either way, the situation is dire — the people aboard who end up in the water must be kept safe.
Boats capsize because they are or become unstable from too much or unbalanced weight (think four people, three coolers, and an anchor all at the bow), water leaking in, and rocking and rolling from wakes or waves, especially those hitting the boat broadside. It’s not necessarily the size of the wave that causes an awful reaction, but the way it hits on the boat as it sits.
What should you do if the boat capsizes? In an open boat, everyone will be thrown into the water. Direct crew and passengers to climb back on to the up-turned hull. The vessel should provide buoyancy and prevent fatigue, and will make it easier for rescuers to find the boat rather than seek individuals.
What about a cabin cruiser that capsizes while you are inside the cabin? As the boat is now upside down, you need to swim down to the hatch or window to exit the cabin and then swim up to the surface (this is one reason to not wear a life jacket while inside — buoyancy will hold you against the floor, which becomes the ceiling when upside down). The situation will be disorienting, and you’ll have limited or zero visibility. Take a moment to compose yourself and then do the opposite of your right-side-up instinct in order to escape an upside-down boat.
What can you do to make your boat less likely to capsize? Clean out all the accumulated gear and equipment you no longer need, regularly inspect for leaks, check the marine forecast before heading out and all through your trip, and stay aware of where the crew and passengers congregate aboard. When giving instructions before heading out, let everyone know the command to “scatter now” must be heeded. No fun conversation or fascinating sight is worth everybody ending up in the drink!
Surviving/preventing a capsizing and a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue
To photo courtesy National Safe Boating Council
