Check your engine and fuel

All research seems to indicate that engine failure is responsible for a significant proportion of incidents. The RNLI knows this from its records, and the MCA similarly is aware of the issues. Running out of fuel is also a common cause of service and fits neatly with engine maintenance as a simple safety message.

If you have an engine in your craft then we would strongly recommend that you know the basics of starting, running and maintaining it. Appropriate spares should be carried on board and fuel should be calculated on approximately 1/3 for the outward trip, 1/3 for the return and 1/3 as spare. Do not reply on fuel gauges as these have been know to be faulty.

Where possible, an alternative means of propulsion should be carried. Engine failure alone is not a distress situation: it does not warrant a Mayday call or the use of flares unless lack of power has put the boat and crew in grave and imminent danger.

The RYA runs a one-day diesel maintenance course that aims to give the boat owner the basics.