What action should you take if your engine stalls in a busy waterway?

If your engine stalls in a busy waterway, the correct initial action is to raise your anchor, signal distress, and attempt to restart the engine. This response is crucial for prioritizing safety and reducing the risk of collision with other vessels. By signaling distress, you alert nearby boaters to your situation, which may encourage them to provide assistance if needed. Attempting to restart the engine enables you to regain control of the vessel, allowing you to navigate safely out of the busy area.

The choice to raise your anchor is also important; remaining anchored in a busy waterway can pose a hazard to both your vessel and others due to the potential for drifting into traffic. The other options, like letting the boat drift until help arrives or immediately jumping overboard, jeopardize your safety and the safety of others. Using paddles, while a possible way to steer, does not address the urgency of the situation and may not be practical in a busy waterway.