What Do You Say When a Boat Is Sinking: Essential Communication and Actions for Survival

The chilling realization that your vessel is taking on water, that the unthinkable is happening, is a moment that freezes the blood. In those frantic seconds and minutes, what do you say when a boat is sinking? It’s not just about uttering words; it’s about conveying crucial information, instilling calm amidst panic, and initiating immediate survival actions. My own experience, a rather unsettling encounter with a rogue wave that nearly swamped a small fishing charter years ago, taught me firsthand the primal importance of clear, decisive communication when disaster looms. Even though we managed to right the boat and limp back to shore, the sheer terror of that moment underscored how vital it is to know what to say, and more importantly, what to do, when the very ground beneath you is becoming liquid.

When a boat is sinking, the primary objective is to ensure the safety of everyone on board and to signal for help. The words you choose, and the actions that accompany them, can make the difference between life and death. This isn’t a time for indecision or panicked shouts; it’s a time for focused, urgent communication and swift, coordinated responses. The initial verbalizations are critical for alerting others to the immediate danger and for directing their efforts. These aren’t casual conversations; they are life-or-death directives.

Immediate Declarations: The First Words of Warning

When you first notice signs of a sinking vessel—unusual listing, water entering compartments, or the sound of rushing water—your immediate verbal response needs to be loud, clear, and unambiguous. The goal is to shock everyone into immediate awareness of the dire situation. Forget politeness; this is about survival.

“We’re sinking! Everybody to the deck!” This is a blunt, undeniable statement of the problem followed by the most critical immediate action: getting everyone to a stable, visible position. It’s about centralizing the crew and passengers in one designated area, making it easier to account for everyone and to distribute life-saving equipment.
“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! [Vessel Name] is sinking at [Last Known Position/Coordinates]!” This is the universal distress signal. If you have a radio, this is the first thing you should be attempting to transmit, even as other actions are taking place. The repetition of “Mayday” is universally understood as an urgent call for assistance.
“Water coming in! We need pumps and all PFDs!” This specifies the problem and the immediate needs. PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), or life jackets, are paramount. Identifying the need for pumps indicates an attempt to stay afloat longer, buying precious time.
“Grab your ditch bag!” If you have a pre-prepared emergency kit designed for abandoning ship, this is the moment to deploy it. It should contain essential survival gear.

The tone should be urgent but controlled. A captain or experienced crew member needs to project a sense of command, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This doesn’t mean being loud for the sake of it, but rather using a voice that cuts through the noise of the situation and the rising tide of fear. I recall a documentary about the sinking of the Andrea Doria; the initial confusion and lack of immediate, clear directives from the bridge were cited as contributing factors to the tragically high loss of life. What do you say when a boat is sinking? You say what is necessary to spur immediate action.

Understanding the Urgency: Why These Words Matter

The words chosen in such a crisis are not arbitrary. They are designed to:

Alert Everyone: Break through the normalcy of the moment and convey the severity of the situation instantly.
Direct Immediate Action: Provide clear, actionable instructions that people can follow without hesitation.
Initiate Distress Signals: Begin the process of alerting external rescue services.
Prioritize Safety: Emphasize the most critical steps for survival, such as wearing life jackets and gathering in a safe location.

It’s also vital to understand what not to say. Avoid words that breed panic or hopelessness. Phrases like “This is it,” or “We’re doomed,” are counterproductive. Even if the situation appears dire, maintaining a semblance of hope and focusing on actionable steps is crucial for morale and effective response.

Essential Actions and Communication Flow When a Boat Is Sinking

Beyond the initial alarms, a structured approach to communication and action is vital. This is where the expertise of the captain or most experienced person on board comes to the forefront. It’s a cascading series of directives aimed at mitigating the disaster and maximizing survival chances.

1. Sounding the Alarm and Distress Signals

This is the very first priority. If you have a VHF radio, immediately tune to Channel 16 and broadcast a distress call. If you don’t have a radio, or it’s inaccessible, resort to other signaling methods like flares, horns, or even shouting if other vessels are in sight.

What to Say on the Radio (Mayday Call):

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.” Repeat three times.
“This is [Your Vessel’s Name].” State the name of your boat clearly.
“We are sinking.” State the nature of the emergency.
“Our position is [Latitude and Longitude, or relative to a known landmark].” Provide the most accurate location possible. If coordinates are unknown, give a description like “approximately 5 miles east of the Point Reyes lighthouse.”
“There are [Number] persons on board.” Crucial for rescue agencies to know how many people to look for.
“Our vessel is [Description of vessel, e.g., a 30-foot sailboat, a fiberglass fishing boat].” This helps rescuers identify your type of vessel.
“We require immediate assistance.” Reiterate the need for urgent help.
“Over.” End the transmission.

If you don’t receive a response, keep trying. If you have a mobile phone, and you have signal, call the Coast Guard or your local maritime rescue authority. They often have numbers you can dial directly.

2. Assessing the Situation and Directing Passengers

Once the initial alarm is raised, the next step is to get a handle on the situation and direct those on board. This requires a quick assessment of how fast the boat is sinking, where the water is coming in, and the immediate risks.

What to Say to Passengers:

“Everyone, listen carefully. This is not a drill. We are taking on water, and the boat is sinking. Stay calm and follow my instructions.” Projecting calm leadership is paramount.
“Put on your life jackets NOW! Make sure they are fastened correctly.” This is non-negotiable. Ensure everyone, especially children, has a properly fitted PFD.
“Gather all essential safety equipment. Life raft, flares, first-aid kit, any water or food supplies you can grab quickly.” Delegate these tasks if possible.
“Move to the highest stable point on the deck. If we need to abandon ship, this will be our staging area.” Keep people together and visible.
“If you see any debris, point it out. We may need it for flotation.” Every little bit helps.

It’s crucial to keep people busy with specific tasks. Idleness can breed panic. Even seemingly small actions, like gathering blankets or securing loose items that could become projectiles, contribute to order.

3. Attempting to Save the Vessel (If Feasible)

While abandoning ship is often the only option, if the sinking is slow and the cause is manageable, efforts to save the boat might be undertaken. This involves identifying the leak and attempting to stop it or bail out water.

What to Say During Salvage Attempts:

“I need two people with me to try and find the leak. Others, keep bailing!” Delegate specific roles and responsibilities.
“Bring me the patching kit and any pumps you can find!” Specify the tools needed.
“How fast is the water coming in?” Constant updates are needed to assess progress.
“We need to keep the pumps running continuously. If you’re not actively bailing, check the pumps.” Ensure systems are functioning.

However, it’s critical to emphasize that the safety of life always takes precedence over the safety of property. If salvage attempts become too dangerous or are clearly failing, the decision to abandon ship must be made without delay.

4. Preparing to Abandon Ship

When it becomes clear that the boat cannot be saved, the focus shifts entirely to abandoning ship safely. This is a critical phase where clear instructions are paramount.

What to Say When Abandoning Ship:

“The boat is going down. We must abandon her. Get into the life raft immediately.” This is a final, firm directive.
“Stay together. Do not let go of the raft. Hold on!” Emphasize group cohesion and security.
“Once in the raft, check for water. Make sure everyone is accounted for.” Post-abandonment checks are essential.
“If you can, grab anything that floats.” Again, encourage opportunistic flotation.
“Do NOT swim away from the raft.” This is a common, dangerous instinct. The raft is the best chance of visibility and survival.

The decision to abandon ship is one of the most difficult a captain can make. It signifies the loss of the vessel, but it is a necessary step to preserve human life. The communication at this stage must be calm, decisive, and reassuring, even while conveying the gravity of the situation.

Post-Abandonment Communication: Staying Alive in the Water

Once in a life raft or treading water, communication continues to be vital for survival, even if it’s simply to maintain morale and coordinate efforts within the survival group.

“Everyone okay? Check for injuries.” Initial assessment of the group.
“Stay together. We are a team. We will look out for each other.” Reinforce solidarity.
“Conserve energy. Try not to panic.” Basic survival advice.
“Signal any passing vessels. Use flares if you have them, but only when you see potential rescue.” Strategic use of signaling devices.
“We need to ration any water we have.” Planning for resource management.
“Keep an eye on the horizon for ships or aircraft.” Maintaining vigilance.

The psychological impact of a sinking vessel cannot be overstated. What do you say when a boat is sinking, and then what do you say when you are in the water? It’s about offering comfort, reassurance, and hope. Sharing stories, singing songs, or simply talking can help pass the time and keep spirits up. For individuals who have experienced such trauma, the aftermath can be profound. The ability to communicate effectively under extreme duress is a learned skill, honed through training and experience.

My Perspective: The Power of Preparedness

Looking back at my near-miss, what I remember most vividly isn’t just the fear, but the captain’s voice. It was strained, yes, but it was also steady. He didn’t shout incoherently; he issued commands. “Everyone to the port side! Grab the ditch bag!” he yelled, and we did. We didn’t question; we acted. This highlights the profound importance of preparedness. If you’re on a boat, especially one you don’t own or operate regularly, you should familiarize yourself with its safety equipment. Know where the life jackets are, where the flares are, and understand the basic layout of the vessel. This knowledge, combined with the clear communication of the captain, is a powerful shield against disaster. It’s not just about what you say, but also what you know and what you’ve practiced. A well-drilled crew, even a family on a pleasure cruise, can perform miracles under pressure. Conversely, a lack of basic safety knowledge can turn a manageable situation into a catastrophe.

What to Say When a Boat Is Sinking: A Structured Checklist for Survival

To provide a concrete framework, here’s a structured checklist of what to say and do, emphasizing clear communication at each stage of a sinking event. This is designed to be a quick reference for anyone who might find themselves in such a terrifying situation. It’s important to remember that this is a generalized guide, and actual situations may vary.

Phase 1: Immediate Discovery of Sinking

Key Objective: Alert everyone, initiate distress calls, and begin immediate life-saving actions.

Captain/Operator:
- “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY!” (If radio is accessible and working)
- “This is [Vessel Name], sinking at [Position]. [Number] persons on board.”
- “EVERYONE! WE ARE SINKING! GET YOUR LIFE JACKETS ON NOW!” (Loudly and clearly)
- “Grab the ditch bag and the flares!”
- “Report any leaks you find immediately!”
Crew/Passengers:
- “I hear water!” or “The boat is listing!” (Report observations immediately)
- “Where are the life jackets?” (If unsure)
- “I have my life jacket on!” (Self-report completion of this critical step)

Phase 2: Stabilizing the Situation and Organizing

Key Objective: Assess the extent of the sinking, attempt to stem the flow of water, and organize passengers and crew for potential abandonment.

Captain/Operator:
- “What’s the status of the pumps?”
- “How fast is the water rising?” (Continuously ask for updates)
- “I need two people to help me try and find and patch the leak.” (If applicable and safe)
- “Everyone else, stay calm and stay together on deck. Keep clear of the hatches.”
- “If you can, gather any available PFDs and throw them in the life raft.”
- “Prepare the life raft for deployment.”
Crew/Passengers:
- “The pumps are running, but the water is still rising.” (Report status)
- “We found the leak; it’s near the [location].” (Report findings)
- “I’m helping secure the life raft.” (Report actions taken)
- “I have grabbed extra blankets and a first-aid kit.” (Report gathered supplies)

Phase 3: Decision to Abandon Ship

Key Objective: Safely evacuate passengers and crew into the life raft.

Captain/Operator:
- “The boat is no longer stable. We must abandon ship. Everyone to the life raft!”
- “Board the raft one by one, in an orderly fashion.”
- “Help each other. Make sure no one is left behind.”
- “Once in the raft, hold on tight. Do NOT jump or swim away from the raft.”
- “I will be the last one to leave the vessel.” (If applicable, a captain’s duty)
Crew/Passengers:
- “I’m ready to board the raft.”
- “I’m helping [person] into the raft.”
- “Everyone is in the raft. Let’s pull up the painter line.”

Phase 4: Survival in the Life Raft/Water

Key Objective: Maintain morale, conserve resources, and signal for rescue.

Anyone (especially designated leader):
- “Is everyone accounted for and uninjured?”
- “Stay close together. Our best chance is to stick as a group.”
- “Conserve your energy. Rest when you can.”
- “We need to ration our water and any food supplies.”
- “Keep a lookout for any ships, aircraft, or land.”
- “If you see a potential rescuer, get ready with the flares.” (Use flares judiciously)
- “We will get through this together.” (Offer reassurance and hope)

This checklist underscores the importance of clear, direct commands and feedback loops. What do you say when a boat is sinking? You say what is necessary to initiate and sustain the survival process. Every word should have a purpose, driving action and reinforcing safety.

The Psychology of Communication in a Crisis

The words spoken in a sinking situation are not merely instructions; they are psychological anchors. They can either plunge individuals into deeper panic or provide a lifeline of calm and purpose. Understanding the psychological impact of communication is as crucial as understanding the mechanics of a sinking vessel.

Instilling Calm Amidst Chaos

Panic is a highly contagious emotion. When one person panics, it can quickly spread through a group, leading to irrational decisions and inaction. Effective communication in a crisis aims to counteract this by:

Projecting Authority and Confidence: Even if the speaker feels fear, a calm and decisive demeanor can inspire confidence in others. Using strong, declarative sentences and avoiding hesitant language is key.
Providing Clear, Concise Instructions: Ambiguity breeds anxiety. Specific, actionable steps reduce the cognitive load on individuals, allowing them to focus on what needs to be done.
Acknowledging the Danger Without Dwelling on It: It’s important to validate the reality of the situation. Saying something like, “Yes, the boat is taking on water,” acknowledges the threat, but immediately pivoting to, “Here’s what we need to do,” redirects energy towards solutions.
Encouraging Cooperation: Phrases like “We need to work together” or “Let’s help each other” foster a sense of shared responsibility and mutual support.

I’ve seen this in action during emergency drills on ships I’ve sailed on. The instructors, playing the roles of panicked passengers, would calm down dramatically when a well-trained crew member calmly and clearly explained the next steps. It’s a testament to how powerful words can be in shaping human response.

Maintaining Morale and Hope

Even when a boat is sinking and abandonment seems inevitable, maintaining morale is crucial. Hope is a powerful motivator that can keep individuals fighting for survival. Communication plays a direct role in this:

Offering Reassurance: “We will get through this,” or “Rescue is on its way,” can provide a much-needed boost.
Focusing on Small Victories: “We got the life raft deployed successfully,” or “Everyone has their life jacket on,” can create a sense of progress.
Encouraging Mutual Support: “Check on your neighbor,” or “Talk to each other to stay alert,” fosters a supportive environment.
Providing a Sense of Purpose: Assigning tasks, even small ones, gives individuals something to focus on and a feeling of contributing to the group’s survival.

In the context of a sinking boat, what do you say when a boat is sinking? You say things that not only direct action but also nourish the human spirit, a vital component of survival.

Expert Insights: What Maritime Professionals Emphasize

Maritime professionals, from seasoned captains to coast guard rescuers, consistently emphasize the critical role of communication. They understand that in a maritime emergency, a well-informed and guided group is far more likely to survive than a disorganized and panicked one.

Captain Eva Rostova, a retired merchant marine captain with over 30 years of experience, shared her perspective: “In my career, I’ve seen a few situations that could have escalated into disasters. The difference, almost always, was communication. The captain’s ability to remain calm, project authority, and deliver clear, concise orders was paramount. We train for these scenarios relentlessly. We practice emergency drills until they become second nature. What do you say when a boat is sinking? You say what you’ve been trained to say, and you say it with conviction. It’s not about fancy words; it’s about effectiveness.”

The U.S. Coast Guard also highlights the importance of clear communication in their rescue operations and public safety advisories. Their emphasis is on:

Making Distress Calls Early and Clearly: The sooner rescue services are alerted, the sooner they can respond.
Having a Float Plan: Informing someone on shore of your boating plans, including your destination and expected return time, is a critical safety measure that aids rescuers if something goes wrong.
Knowing Your Safety Equipment: Understanding how to use flares, radios, and other safety gear before an emergency arises is vital.

These insights reinforce that effective communication when a boat is sinking is not an impromptu act but rather a product of training, preparation, and a clear understanding of survival priorities. It’s about bridging the gap between chaos and order with the right words and actions.

Common Scenarios and Specific Phrases

Let’s consider a few specific scenarios and the phrases that would be most appropriate:

Scenario 1: A small pleasure craft hits submerged debris and begins taking on water rapidly.

Captain: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! This is ‘The Wave Rider,’ a 24-foot Bayliner. We’ve struck something and are taking on water fast! We’re about 2 miles offshore from the south jetty. Three people on board, all wearing PFDs. We need immediate assistance!”
Captain (to passengers): “Everyone, get your PFDs on NOW! Stay calm! I’m trying to get a mayday out. I need someone to grab the bilge pump handle!”

Scenario 2: A larger sailboat is caught in a sudden squall, and a hatch is breached, allowing significant water ingress.

Captain: “MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! This is the sailing vessel ‘Sea Serpent.’ We are in heavy weather, taking on water through a main hatch. Position is approximately [coordinates]. Five souls on board, all wearing life jackets. Preparing to launch life raft.”
Captain (to crew): “We can’t keep up with the bailers. The boat is heeling dangerously. We have to abandon ship. Get into the raft. I’ll secure the emergency gear.”
Crew member to Captain: “The life raft is inflated and ready, Captain. The hatch is still wide open, and water is coming in faster!”

Scenario 3: A fishing trawler experiences engine failure and begins drifting towards a dangerous rocky shore, taking on water from the stern.

Captain: “MAYDAY RELAY! This is ‘The Salty Dog.’ Repeat, MAYDAY RELAY for ‘The Salty Dog.’ We have lost engine power, we are drifting towards the rocks, and taking on water. Location is [description]. Six people on board. We require immediate assistance.”
Captain (to crew): “The anchor won’t hold. We’re going to hit the rocks. We need to get the dinghy ready. Everyone grab your survival suits and get into the dinghy. We’ll try to make it to shore if we can.”

In each of these, the communication is specific, urgent, and action-oriented. The use of “Mayday” signals an immediate life-threatening situation. The details provided (vessel type, position, number of people) are critical for rescuers. The subsequent commands are designed to manage the situation and move towards the highest probability of survival.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Say When a Boat Is Sinking

How do I prioritize what to say when my boat is sinking?

The absolute first priority is to alert others to the danger and initiate distress calls. This means sounding the alarm and, if possible, making a “Mayday” call on the VHF radio. The universally recognized signal for distress is “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.” Once that’s initiated, or if radio is not an option, direct verbal communication is key. You need to state clearly and unequivocally that the boat is sinking. Then, you must issue immediate, critical instructions. The most important initial directive is usually related to personal flotation devices (PFDs) – “Put on your life jackets NOW!” Following this, you’ll need to direct people to a safe area on the boat, usually the highest stable point, and begin gathering essential safety equipment like the life raft and flares.

The order of communication is generally:

Distress Signal (Mayday): If applicable and possible.
Clear Statement of Danger: “We are sinking!”
Most Critical Action: “Put on life jackets!”
Next Critical Action: “Gather at [safe location]!” or “Grab emergency gear!”

The key is to be loud, clear, and decisive. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences. Think of it as giving commands in an emergency drill – the goal is immediate, compliant action.

What if I don’t know the exact position of my boat?

This is a common challenge, especially for recreational boaters. If you don’t have GPS or your GPS is not functioning, do your best to provide the most relevant positional information you can. This might include:

Relative to a known landmark: “Approximately 3 miles south of the lighthouse,” or “Off the coast, due west of the power plant.”
Bearing and distance from a known point: “About 5 miles northeast of Buoy Channel Marker 7.”
Last known charted position: If you remember the last place you marked on your chart.
General area: “In the entrance to the bay,” or “South of the shipping channel.”

Even a general description is infinitely better than no information at all. Rescue services are trained to triangulate and search based on available data. If you have a mobile phone with signal, you can also try calling your local Coast Guard or maritime rescue coordination center directly and relaying your approximate location. Many modern smartphones have built-in GPS that can provide coordinates even if the boat’s navigation system fails.

How can I prepare myself and my crew to know what to say and do if the boat sinks?

Preparation is paramount. The best way to know what to say and do when a boat is sinking is through regular safety drills and education. Here’s how you can prepare:

Familiarize Yourself with Safety Equipment: Know where life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, bilge pumps, and the life raft are located on your vessel. Understand how to operate them.
Conduct Regular Safety Drills: Even on a small boat, practice emergency scenarios. This could involve donning life jackets quickly, simulating a fire, or practicing man overboard drills. For a sinking scenario, verbally walk through the steps you would take.
Develop a Float Plan: Always leave a detailed float plan with a trusted person on shore. This plan should include your vessel description, number of people on board, your intended route, and your estimated time of departure and return. If you don’t return, this plan is crucial for initiating a search.
Carry Essential Safety Gear: Ensure you have a fully stocked first-aid kit, reliable communication devices (VHF radio, satellite phone if possible), signaling devices (flares, whistle, mirror), and a properly maintained life raft.
Educate Passengers: Before setting out, briefly inform your passengers about the location of safety equipment and what to do in an emergency. Even a few minutes of instruction can be invaluable.
Stay Informed: For commercial vessels or those who venture offshore frequently, consider taking formal maritime safety courses.

Knowing what to say is a result of knowing what to do. Practice instills the muscle memory and mental clarity needed to react effectively under extreme stress.

What should I say to reassure people who are panicking?

Reassuring panicking individuals in a sinking boat requires a delicate balance of acknowledging their fear while guiding them toward rational action. Avoid dismissing their feelings, but also steer them away from unproductive hysteria. Here are some strategies and phrases:

Acknowledge and Validate: “I know this is frightening, and it’s okay to be scared. But we need to focus right now.”
Provide Clear, Simple Instructions: “Please put on your life jacket. Just focus on buckling this strap.” Break down actions into the smallest possible steps.
Give Them a Task: “Can you hold onto this rope for me?” or “Please count how many people are on the deck.” Giving someone a small, manageable task can help them feel useful and in control.
Maintain a Calm, Firm Tone: Your voice is a powerful tool. Speak clearly and deliberately, even if your heart is pounding.
Reinforce Safety Measures: “We have our life jackets on, and we’re all together. That’s what’s important right now.”
Offer Hope (Cautiously): “We’ve sent out a mayday call, and rescue services are on their way. We need to stay calm and wait for them.” Be realistic but hopeful.

It’s important to remember that you, as the leader, need to manage your own emotions first. If you project panic, others will follow. If you project calm competence, you create an environment where others can also become calm and focused.

What if the sinking is slow? Should I still say “Mayday”?

Yes, absolutely. If your vessel is taking on water and you are unable to immediately stop it, or if the rate of ingress is significant enough to threaten the vessel’s stability, you should declare a “Mayday.” A “Mayday” call is for situations where there is an imminent threat to life or the vessel. Even a slow leak can become a catastrophic problem very quickly, especially if the pumps fail or the vessel begins to list, exacerbating the ingress. It is always better to err on the side of caution and alert rescue services early. They can provide guidance, monitor the situation, and be ready to respond if the situation deteriorates rapidly. Waiting too long to declare “Mayday” can mean rescue services arrive when it’s too late to effectively save lives or the vessel.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Prepared Communication

The question, “What do you say when a boat is sinking,” is a profound one that extends far beyond mere vocabulary. It encapsulates the essence of preparedness, leadership, and the instinct for survival. My own close call, and countless stories from maritime disasters, underscore a critical truth: in the face of overwhelming natural forces, clear, decisive, and timely communication is not just helpful – it is life-saving. It is the bridge between panic and action, between despair and hope.

The words uttered in such a dire moment are imbued with immense power. They are commands that direct immediate, life-preserving actions, signals that summon vital assistance from afar, and reassurances that can fortify the human spirit against the encroaching fear. From the immediate, sharp declaration of “We’re sinking!” to the precise coordinates of a “Mayday” call, and the calming directives to put on life jackets and gather in a safe place, every utterance matters. It’s about leveraging knowledge, experience, and a fundamental understanding of human psychology to navigate the unthinkable.

The lessons learned from maritime incidents, as articulated by seasoned professionals and rescue agencies, consistently point to the indispensable role of communication. These insights aren’t abstract theories; they are distilled wisdom born from harrowing experiences. They emphasize that preparedness – through regular drills, familiarization with safety equipment, and the establishment of clear protocols – transforms abstract knowledge into an instinctual response when disaster strikes. The ability to articulate the danger and the solution, under immense pressure, is a hallmark of effective leadership and a critical component of collective survival.

Ultimately, knowing what to say when a boat is sinking is inextricably linked to knowing what to do. It’s about having a plan, practicing that plan, and being able to articulate it calmly and effectively when the waves of crisis threaten to engulf everything. It’s a reminder that in the vast, often unforgiving expanse of the sea, preparedness and clear communication are the most reliable anchors we can possess.

What Do You Say When a Boat Is Sinking: Essential Communication and Actions for Survival