Hull Leaks or Flooding

When water appears at the bottom of a pleasure craft or you observe water rising within the vessel you have a hull leak or flooding problem needing immediate attention.

Take the following actions:

• locate the source of the hull leak or flooding.
• stop the leak or source of flooding, if possible.
• remove water in the hold or other compartments by using bailers, manual pumps or bilge pumping systems.
• exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance if necessary.

You should carry on board at all times, as part of your tool kit, tools and materials to temporarily stop hull leaks or flooding.

This could include items such as tapered wooden plugs of appropriate size for all through-hull fittings, caulking material, quick-curing underwater epoxy putty, and duct-tape.