What action should be taken if your boat is leaking?

When a boat is leaking, determining the source of the leak and managing it is the most critical action to take. This approach allows you to assess the severity of the situation and implement immediate measures to stop or slow down the leak. Creating a plan based on where the leak is coming from may involve repairing it if possible, using materials on board to plug the leak, or adjusting the boat's operations to manage water intake.

Taking action based on the leak's source enhances safety, allowing for better judgment on whether it's safe to continue your trip or if you need to seek help or return to shore. Ignoring the leak could lead to a severe situation, jeopardizing the boat and the safety of those on board. While contacting coast guard support is important in case of emergency, it should ideally follow any immediate actions taken to manage the situation. Reducing speed may help in some scenarios, but without addressing the leak directly, it may not be sufficient to prevent serious issues.