Engine Failure at Sea: The Right Actions to Take
An engine breakdown at sea is every sailor’s nightmare. The sudden silence of the motor—often in rough waters or close to hazards—demands an immediate and methodical response.
The goal of this guide is to give you a clear and practical action plan. We’ll walk you through essential safety and troubleshooting procedures, explain how to contact rescue services, and highlight the importance of preparation and calm reflexes to handle this critical situation without panic.
Secure the Crew and Stabilize the Boat
Your top priority when facing an engine failure at sea is to take control of the situation and eliminate any immediate danger. Staying calm is crucial. Focus first on crew safety and stabilizing your vessel.
Drop anchor to prevent drifting
Without propulsion, your boat will drift—often quickly—under the influence of wind and current. Dropping anchor as soon as possible stops this drift and stabilizes the vessel, giving you time to assess the problem without being pushed into danger.
Move away from hazardous areas
If you are near the shoreline, rocks, shallow waters, or a busy shipping lane, your first reflex—if you haven’t yet stopped the drift—should be to use whatever means you have (oars, paddles, or an auxiliary engine if available) to move away. Once clear, set the anchor to hold position.
Have everyone put on life jackets
In an emergency, the risk of someone falling overboard increases. To avoid complications, immediately instruct all passengers to put on life jackets. This simple step ensures that even in case of sudden panic or unexpected movement, everyone remains protected.
Check the Possible Causes of the Breakdown
Once the boat is stabilized and the crew is safe, the next step is to methodically diagnose the problem. Most breakdowns are caused by simple issues and can often be fixed without outside assistance.
Check the fuel, battery, and throttle controls
Start with the most common causes:
- Fuel: Make sure the tanks aren’t empty and that fuel valves are open.
- Battery: Inspect the battery’s condition and connections (loose or corroded terminals). If the starter turns slowly or onboard electronics are weak, the battery is likely the culprit.
- Throttle controls: Ensure the throttle is in neutral for restart and that the control cable isn’t disconnected or jammed.
Inspect the propeller, filters, and fuel system
Some issues are mechanical or linked to the fuel circuit:
- Propeller: Always cut the engine before checking. A rope or fishing net wrapped around the propeller can block rotation or damage the motor.
- Filters and fuel supply: Clogged fuel (or water-separating) filters and dirty air filters are frequent causes of failure. Also check cooling water intakes and ensure there’s no air in the fuel lines.
Read any error codes on the dashboard
Modern engines often feature self-diagnostic systems. Check the displays and warning lights. A specific error code (e.g., overheating alert, injection fault) can immediately identify the problem—even if you can’t fix it at sea.
Remember: some engines switch to “limp mode”
If the engine restarts but doesn’t reach full power, it may have entered “limp home” mode. This safety mode is triggered by the engine’s electronics when detecting serious issues (like overheating or low oil pressure) to prevent catastrophic failure. It usually allows you to motor slowly to the nearest port. If this happens, don’t push the engine—call for towing assistance instead.
Contact the Right People at the Right Time
If, after troubleshooting, you cannot resolve the breakdown, it is vital to call for help. Knowing who to contact—and how—depending on the seriousness of the situation is an essential skill at sea.
Charter company, dealer, or mechanic: for simple failures
If the breakdown poses no immediate danger to the boat or crew (calm weather, stable position, no flooding) and you’ve managed to stabilize the vessel, begin by calling your charter company, boat dealer, or private assistance service. These professionals can provide remote troubleshooting advice or arrange for non-urgent towing. This is the correct procedure for the majority of non-critical engine stoppages.
Emergency services: VHF Channel 16 or phone 196 (CROSS in France)
If the situation is critical and your safety or that of your passengers is at risk (drifting toward hazards, injury onboard, worsening weather), never hesitate to alert the public rescue services:
- VHF Channel 16: This is the international distress frequency. It allows you to issue a MAYDAY (distress) or PAN PAN (urgency) call heard by all vessels and coastal stations. Messages on this channel are prioritized, and if you are equipped with DSC (Digital Selective Calling), your position can be transmitted automatically.
- Phone 196 (France): This is the direct line to CROSS (Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center). It works from any mobile phone within cell coverage and is the alternative to VHF. CROSS is the only authority authorized to coordinate official sea rescue operations in French waters.
Alert nearby vessels for faster assistance
Even if you’ve contacted CROSS, also call on nearby vessels for help. Use VHF Channel 16 (if rescue coordination hasn’t yet begun) or switch to Channel 6 or 8 (once instructed) to broadcast your position and situation. Neighboring leisure or commercial vessels are often the first able to tow or assist you until official rescue services arrive.
Prepare Effectively for Rescue Arrival
Once contact has been established with CROSS or an assisting vessel, your role is to make their job as easy and safe as possible. Simple preparations can save valuable time and ensure the safety of the rescue or towing operation.
Clear cleats and the bow eye
The rescue team will need to attach a towline or come alongside quickly. Make sure cleats at the bow and stern are clear and accessible. Prepare the bow eye (the metal ring at the front of the boat) if it will be used as the primary towing point.
Stow all ropes—nothing trailing in the water
This is a fundamental safety rule. Any rope or line trailing in the water can foul the assisting vessel’s propeller, creating new hazards and delaying rescue. Retrieve and stow all fenders, ropes, and fishing lines around the boat.
Regularly update your position
Even if you gave your position initially, drift conditions may change quickly. Transmit updated coordinates (latitude/longitude) to the rescue team or assisting vessel, especially if the wait is prolonged. This helps them adjust course in real time for a faster and more accurate interception.
Maintain VHF watch on the channel designated by CROSS
Rescue authorities will ask you to switch from Channel 16 to a working channel (e.g., Channel 6, 8, or a ship-to-ship channel). It is crucial to keep constant watch on this new frequency to hear every instruction and respond immediately to the rescue team.
Using the Liferaft: Only as a Last Resort
The liferaft is the ultimate safety device, designed for situations when the boat can no longer be saved. Its deployment should be considered the very last option, once all other possibilities are exhausted.
A boat is always more visible than a liferaft
Even immobilized, a pleasure craft is larger, more reflective, and far easier for rescue aircraft and ships to spot than a small inflatable raft. As long as the boat is afloat and conditions are not worsening (no uncontrollable flooding, no major fire), staying onboard is the safest choice.
Use it only in imminent danger
The moment of evacuation is the most critical. Do not deploy the liferaft unless you face imminent danger, such as:
- The boat is sinking rapidly.
- A fire is out of control.
- You are drifting toward hazards (rocks, reefs) with no way of stopping the drift.
Any premature evacuation increases the risks.
Take essential gear: handheld VHF, water, warm clothing, and signaling devices
If abandoning ship becomes unavoidable, do not board the liferaft empty-handed. Prepare a grab bag with survival essentials:
- Handheld VHF radio: to continue transmitting your position to rescuers.
- Water and food: for prolonged waiting.
- Warm clothing or survival blankets: to prevent hypothermia.
- Signaling equipment: distress flares, signal mirror, flashlights.
Always ensure the liferaft is securely tethered to the boat before deployment, and no one should jump into the water unless absolutely necessary.
Protect Yourself with Engine Breakdown Insurance
Once the emergency is under control, the financial question comes into play. An engine failure is not only stressful—it is often an unexpected and costly expense that can strain your boating budget. The right insurance is the best form of anticipation.
Why a breakdown can be very expensive
Even a minor fault can generate significant costs. The biggest expense is often towing: private sea rescue operators may charge several hundred, even thousands of euros depending on the distance and conditions. Added to this are the costs of replacement parts (pump, head gasket, etc.) and the high hourly rates of specialized labor. Without proper coverage, you will be responsible for all of these expenses.
Elvire Insurance guarantee: coverage for engines up to 50 years old
Recognizing that a boat’s age should not prevent good coverage, Elvire Insurance has developed a specific engine breakdown policy. What makes it stand out is its coverage of engines up to 50 years old, providing peace of mind to owners of older boats—often the ones most prone to mechanical issues.
What’s covered: engine, systems, towing, and labor
The Elvire Insurance policy covers the main cost drivers:
- Repair of the engine and its internal components.
- Vital systems (fuel, cooling, exhaust).
- Towing expenses from the breakdown site to a port or repair yard.
- The labor costs required for diagnosis and repair.
Transferable coverage when selling your boat: a real advantage
One of the biggest benefits is transferability. If you sell your boat, the engine warranty can be transferred to the new owner (under certain conditions). This feature is a strong selling point, adding tangible value and peace of mind, and making your boat easier and faster to sell.
24/7 Assistance for Stress-Free Sailing
Knowing that you can rely on professional support, at any hour and in any location, is essential for carefree sailing. A 24/7 assistance service goes beyond simple repairs—it ensures full support in the event of the unexpected.
Rapid intervention for breakdowns at sea
The strength of a specialized assistance service lies in its responsiveness and ability to handle all logistics after a breakdown. Services typically include:
- Towing your boat to the nearest port or shipyard.
- On-site repair at sea if the problem is minor and easily fixed.
- Handling the delivery of critical spare parts.
- Repatriation of the crew if the repair is lengthy or impossible on site.
The goal is to minimize downtime while keeping everyone safe.
Wide coverage: mainland, islands, overseas territories, inland waters
Geographic scope is a crucial selection criterion. Quality assistance shouldn’t stop at coastal waters. It should cover wherever you sail—whether along the mainland coast, around islands such as Corsica, in overseas territories, or on inland waterways (rivers, lakes, and canals). Always verify the navigation zones included in your policy.
Emergency calls: CROSS at 196 or VHF Channel 16 (France)
Even if you have private assistance, emergency procedures don’t change. In life-threatening or imminent danger, your first reflex must always be to call public maritime rescue services:
- Dial 196 to reach CROSS (France’s maritime rescue coordination center) from a mobile phone.
- Issue a distress call (MAYDAY or PAN PAN) on VHF Channel 16.
Private assistance comes into play once the situation is stabilized or works alongside CROSS for non-rescue logistics (such as commercial towing).
Prevent Breakdowns Through Proper Maintenance
The best way to deal with an engine breakdown at sea is to avoid it altogether. The vast majority of failures stem from poor maintenance or neglect before departure. Regular and thorough maintenance is the key to safe and stress-free sailing.
The pre-departure checklist
Before every trip, make it a habit to carry out a quick but essential check of the engine’s vital points. This simple routine greatly reduces the risk of common failures:
- Oil level: Ensure the level is adequate and the oil is clean.
- Battery: Check voltage and make sure terminals are clean and secure.
- Fuel: Never leave port with minimal reserves. Inspect the water separator to ensure no water contamination.
- Filters: Visually inspect fuel filters (no algae) and water filters.
- Cooling system: Confirm the intake is clear and the impeller is working properly.
Manufacturer-recommended engine servicing
Preventive maintenance—annually or according to engine hours—is non-negotiable. Strictly follow the service schedule provided by your engine manufacturer (oil changes, filter replacements, timing belt replacement, gearbox checks). These tasks, often complex, should be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure reliability and longevity.
Emergency kit onboard: tools, fuses, manual pump
Even the best-maintained engine can fail. To handle minor repairs at sea, you must carry a complete, accessible emergency kit, including:
- Basic tools: Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, sealing tape.
- Critical spares: Spare fuses, spark plugs, bulbs, seawater pump impeller.
- Manual pump or bucket: To bail out minor leaks or siphon a tank.
Good maintenance combined with the right emergency gear are the foundations of proactive safety at sea.
Mistakes to Avoid in Case of Engine Failure
Handling an engine breakdown is not only about knowing what to do—it’s also about knowing what never to do. Certain mistakes, often made under stress, can turn a simple technical incident into a major distress situation.
Don’t panic: calm is your best ally
Panic is the number one enemy of safety at sea. An emotional reaction blocks analysis and decision-making. As soon as the engine stops, force yourself to take three deep breaths. Follow the protocol in order: Secure, Diagnose, Alert. Staying calm allows you to organize the crew effectively and perform accurate troubleshooting.
Don’t wait too long before raising the alarm
Many boaters, out of pride or hope of fixing the problem themselves, wait until the situation worsens (weather change, drifting toward shore) before contacting rescue services. This is a critical mistake. If the problem isn’t solved within 30 minutes of the breakdown—or if danger increases—alert CROSS immediately (dial 196 or use VHF Channel 16). It’s always better to cancel a call for assistance than to make it too late.
Don’t neglect communication tools
Never rely solely on your mobile phone. VHF Channel 16 is the most reliable maritime communication method and the only one guaranteed to be monitored by both rescue services and nearby vessels. Ignoring the role of VHF, an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), or a radar transponder (SART) is effectively isolating yourself when you most need help. Always test and charge these devices before departure.
Don’t set out without a Plan B: have a clear procedure in mind
A common mistake is heading out without thinking through emergency scenarios. Before leaving port, every crew member should know their role in case of incident: Who drops the anchor? Who makes the distress call? Who distributes life jackets? Having a clear procedure—a “Plan B”—means you can act automatically, even when adrenaline is high.
Conclusion
An engine failure at sea is certainly unpleasant, but it should never ruin your outing entirely. By applying the right reflexes—secure, diagnose, then alert—you can turn a potential crisis into nothing more than a story to tell.
The main lesson is the importance of preparation: pre-departure checks and regular maintenance are your best safeguards. And finally, to sail with peace of mind despite the uncertainty of towing and repair costs, having proper insurance is the last essential piece of advice to remember.
