Why helping other boaters—and neighbors—is part of the job.
One of the best things about boating—besides those glass-calm mornings and docktail sunsets—is the code we all live by: you help another boater, always. No debate. No hesitation. No politics. Just seamanship and simple human decency. And because it’s the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to talk about how that same on-the-water mindset can shape the way we show up for each other on land, too.
But first—let’s talk practical. Because knowing how to help is just as important as the willingness to jump in.
What To Do in Common On-Water Emergencies
These aren’t dramatic Hollywood rescues—just smart, real-world actions every boater should know:
If the captain goes overboard:
Shout “Man overboard!” and keep eyes on the person at all times.
Hit MOB on your GPS, if available.
Immediately throw flotation (even if they’re already wearing a PFD).
Circle back slowly, approaching from downwind so you don’t drift onto them.
Use a throw rope or boarding ladder to bring them in—avoid pulling them in by hand unless necessary.
If you spot someone in distress:
Switch to Channel 16 and report what you see (location, vessel description, nature of emergency).
Approach cautiously—sometimes a boat is drifting but not in danger.
Keep a safe distance until you're sure they need help; then offer a tow line, a jump start, or a radio relay.
Prioritize your crew’s safety—aid is mandatory, but not at the expense of putting your own vessel at risk.
If you come across a disabled boat:
Slow to idle and check for hazards before closing in.
Ask, “Are you safe? Do you need a tow, a battery jump, or a call?”
Use proper towing knots and length (a long line reduces jerking).
If you can’t tow safely, stand by until help arrives.
If you hear a Mayday:
Stay off the channel unless you can assist.
If you’re the closest vessel, respond and relay.
Take notes: location, number of people, nature of distress.
If you can’t help directly, keep listening—Coast Guard may request vessels in the area to assist.
Carrying the Code Back to Shore
Here’s the thing: on the water, we’re almost instinctively at our best. We scan the horizon, look out for one another, and act quickly when something seems off. But once we step off the dock and back into everyday life, that mindset tends to fade. The reality is that the “shoals” people are navigating right now aren’t always marked on any chart. They might look like financial stress, a lonely holiday season, burnout, or someone simply doing their best to keep their ship afloat. A neighbor’s quiet porch, a coworker who suddenly goes radio-silent, or a friend who keeps canceling plans—these are often the dry-land versions of distress flares. When we start paying attention the same way we do on the water, it becomes easier to spot who might need a hand.
Holiday “Good Seamanship” (In Real Life)
This December, try treating your neighborhood, workplace, and community the same way you treat a busy waterway: stay aware, stay steady, and step up when you can. Sometimes “throwing the line” looks as simple as dropping off a small porch gift, offering to help a tired parent juggle errands, raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, or thanking a service worker who’s clearly having a tough day. Other times, it’s just being willing to stand by—listening when someone needs to vent or giving them the space to talk. And just like on the water, knowing your limits matters, too. You don’t have to solve every problem; you just have to be the kind of person who notices and, when possible, shows up. Good seamanship doesn’t end at the dock—it translates beautifully to life on land, especially during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're ten miles offshore or standing in your driveway, the principle is the same: we’re all just trying to make it back to port in one piece. This Christmas season, let’s carry the best part of boating—our instinct to show up for each other—into everyday life.