Boating’s Deadly Dozen
The Top Causes of Accidents on the Water
Sailing is not just an adventure; it’s a responsibility a skipper makes to the crew and other boaters to be safe.
At NauticEd, safe boating is at the heart of our mission to deliver top-notch, affordable education to sailors worldwide. For us, safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the driving force behind our commitment to comprehensive training and competency. That’s why we focus intensely on three pillars: mastering knowledge theory, honing practical skills, and accumulating real-world experience. As you’ll discover below, these elements are crucial to keeping you and your crew safe on the water.
For us, one needs to understand the causes of boating accidents to truly appreciate safety – in 2023, there were 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries, and about $63 million dollars of property damage. Much, if not most, of those deaths and injuries could have been avoided with simple prudence! And while this may be an uncomfortable topic that most sailing organizations avoid (i.e., sailing is not always “easy”), it’s an excellent starting point for us (including you) to consider what to do to stay safe!
For this, we turn to the U.S. Coast Guard’s recently released “Recreational Boating Statistics”. These statistics go in-depth on the causes of boating accidents and fatalities as well as are used throughout the boating safety industry to reduce accidents.
Starting off, note that boating education and instruction are mission-critical-important: Here’s why, according to the USCG “Deaths occurred predominantly on vessels operated by individuals who had not received boating safety instruction, accounting for 75 percent of fatalities.” [emphasis added]. This is important for 2 reasons:
- Yes, it behooves you and your crew to learn. It’s that simple…
- No, do NOT assume that other boaters near you know what they’re doing! It’s great that we sailors know USCG “Rules of the Road”, keep a lookout, etc… – but never assume that the power party boat speeding towards you knows anything. Simply, sail defensively.
And, this is why we also say “The more you learn, the greater is life’s adventure.” In this case, learning how to stay safe while keeping others safe is a priority when “adventuring”.
Top 10 Factors of Boating Accidents
Below is the Top 10 list of contributing factors from the USCG’s executive summary, followed by a discussion of each. We believe this summary is an excellent review for what you need to focus on for safety!
1. Operator Inattention
USCG Definition: “Failure on the part of the operator to pay attention to the vessel, its occupants, or the environment in which the vessel is operating.”
Discussion: It only takes 1 mistake, an instant of inattention, for an accident to happen…
Notably, the skipper (operator) not paying attention is also the #1 factor for accidents when sailing! And it’s not surprising in sailing since a skipper needs to keep their “head on a swivel” – steering a course, navigational markers and hazards, other boats, and all while keeping an eye on sail trim, crew, kiddos, etc… Easy to make a mistake with that much going on.
Tips to pay attention and stay focused:
- Education: Continuous learning about sailing techniques, maneuvering under power, navigation, anchoring, weather, etc… (it’s a long list of sailing courses needed) helps maintain a high level of awareness.
- Practical Experience & Training: We’ll address this more in point #3, but simply experience helps you prioritize your attention while brain “muscle memory” (i.e., subconscious) becomes more attuned to other factors around you.
- Stay Sober: Many studies show that alcohol shortens attention span and decreases one’s ability to comprehend and interpret visual information.
- Proper Rest: Ensuring adequate sleep and rest before sailing can greatly improve concentration and attentiveness.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and consuming balanced meals keeps energy levels stable, aiding focus.
- Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks during long sailing trips can prevent mental fatigue and keep attention sharp.
- Clear Communication: Effective communication among crew members ensures everyone is aware of their responsibilities and any potential hazards.
- Checklists and Routines: Using checklists for tasks and maintaining consistent routines can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Get Organized: Maintaining an organized cockpit and boat can help minimize distractions.
- Stay Alert to Weather Conditions: Regularly monitoring weather updates can help anticipate and prepare for changes, keeping the sailor alert.
- Know Your Boat!: Knowing the boat’s equipment and how it operates can prevent surprises and maintain focus on navigation and safety.
2. Improper Lookout
Definition: “No proper watch; the failure of the operator to perceive danger because no one was serving as lookout, or the person so serving failed in that regard. Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.” [emphasis added]
Discussion: Lookout can be and often is a challenge in sailing, if for no other reason than the sails can blanket fields of vision and create ‘blind spots’. But also, consider #1 Operator Inattention – having a designated lookout helps the skipper focus on other tasks.
Additional notes:
- The bolded part of the above is from the USCG’s “International & U.S. Inland Navigation Rules” – i.e., it’s a regulation that if you do not follow, then you can be legally liable for an accident. So, take lookout seriously!
- Also note the “…as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions….”. Many maritime attorneys caution that includes electronics such as radar or AIS – if you have those, then you’re expected to use them as a means of lookout should the conditions/circumstances merit their use.
3. Operator Inexperience
USCG Definition: “Lack of practical experience or knowledge in operating a vessel or, more particularly, the vessel involved in the accident.”
Discussion: Operator Inexperience is also the 3rd leading factor of accidents in sailing (i.e., not just general “all boaters” stats). And, this is a topic that NauticEd preaches religiously – YOU. NEED. EXPERIENCE.
Here, why do major charter companies require a sailing resume that demonstrates your experience (weighted on the past 3 years)? Because it’s not about this or that private sailing certification, it’s about demonstrating your competence so that you don’t wreck their $250,000+ boat because of inexperience, or worse hurt yourself or someone else! And, the best measure of demonstrated competence is experience…
It’s why all NauticEd certifications and licenses require experience. We don’t certify or license anyone without sufficient experience, and anything less is an “endorsement” in our system. And, we offer a bunch of free courses, elogbook, and resume building tools to help you build your experience.
Also consider that experience helps with #1 Operator Inattention. Think of experience as building sailing “muscle memory”, allowing you to focus more on what’s needed while your subconscious begins to process all the information around you.
Of course sailing education is important! Just note the earlier USCG quote that lack of education contributes to accidents. Instead, however, consider sailing knowledge theory courses and practical training as foundations for new and aspiring sailors, upon which experience is applying those courses in real world situations… And as an aside if you do practical training, ask if they’re recognized by NASBLA as compliant with the USCG’s American National Standards – SAIL. If not, then consider a school or instructor that does teach to those standards (Hint: it’s a requirement for all NauticEd schools and instructors).
There are many ways to gain experience:
- If you own a boat, then obviously go out as much as you can. Challenge yourself with different weather, wind, and sea states – but don’t overdo it! Build your experience progressively.
- If you don’t own a boat, then consider crewing (racers are always looking for crew), a sailing club, renting, or charter (if you have enough experience). You can also jump on different online boards/platforms where skippers are looking for crew, or boat deliveries, but be cautious with those as you want an experienced skipper who has some Emotional Intelligence as well.
- Virtual Reality. Yes, you can build experience and practice skills in VR. No, it’s not the “real thing”, but it’s a close second – and bonus, VR allows you to challenge yourself with wind, etc…, conditions that are difficult in the “real world”.
4. Excessive Speed
USCG Definition: “Speed above that which a reasonable and prudent person would have operated under the conditions that existed. It is not necessarily a speed in excess of a posted limit.”
Discussion: Admittedly, “speed” is not usually an issue for sailboats (and it’s relatively minor in the data) – but…, excessive speed accidents do happen in sailing. Really, from our perspective, the excessive speed issue is more a control issue. As the skipper (operator), you should always be in total control of the boat – which includes stopping it or maneuvering as conditions require. Common examples include marina/docking situations, or “rules of the road” boat traffic situations if you’re going too fast to maneuver to avoid collisions… We recommend taking NauticEd’s Maneuvering Under Power online course to master control of your vessel.
5. Machinery Failure
Definition: “Defect and/or failure in the machinery or material, design or construction, or components installed by the manufacturer involved in the mechanical propulsion of the boat (e.g., engine, transmission, fuel system, electric system, and steering system).”
Discussion: A marine environment, especially salt water, can be tough on sailboat ‘machinery’ and components – often requiring an extra level of care. Below are some steps that you can take to avoid “Iron Genny” and similar ‘machinery’ issues:
- Pre-Sailing Inspections: This is always important, regardless whether you charter, rent, or own your boat. Conduct thorough inspections before setting sail. Check the engine oil levels, coolant, belts, hoses, and fuel systems for any signs of wear or leaks.
- Regular Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to a strict maintenance schedule for all machinery and systems on the sailboat. This includes engines, winches, steering systems, and other mechanical components.
- Keep Spare Parts: Carry essential spare parts, such as belts, filters, fuses, and impellers, to handle common repairs while at sea.
- Use Quality Fuel and Lubricants: Ensure that fuel and lubricants meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Contaminated fuel can cause engine problems, so use clean, high-quality fuel.Also, be mindful of your fuel tank! Often fuel sits in sailboats for extended periods of time, accumulating sludge or debris in the tank. This can be a particularly challenging issue because it’s stable (i.e., everything works) when you leave the dock, but then a rigorous day of sailing can shake/loosen that sludge / debris and clog the system and overwhelm the filters. And then, the engine dies on you when you attempt to restart it…
- Battery Maintenance: Regularly check battery connections and ensure batteries are properly charged and in good condition. Clean any corrosion from terminals and check for secure connections.
- Monitor Gauges and Alarms: Pay attention to engine gauges and alarms for any signs of overheating, low oil pressure, or other issues. Immediate attention to warning signs can prevent major failures.
- Filter Maintenance: Regularly replace fuel and oil filters to ensure proper engine performance and prevent contaminants from causing damage. If water in the fuel or tank is a concern, make certain you have a fuel-water separator!
- Cooling System Care: Check the cooling system for blockages or leaks. Ensure that the raw water intake is clear and that the coolant levels are adequate.
- Proper Operation: Operate the machinery according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Avoid overloading the engine or running it at excessive speeds for prolonged periods.
- Training and Knowledge: Ensure that you and your crew are knowledgeable about the boat’s systems and capable of performing basic maintenance and repairs. Attend training courses if necessary.
- Logbook Entries: Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, inspections, and any issues encountered. This helps in tracking the performance and identifying potential problems early.
- Regular Professional Inspections: Periodically have a professional marine mechanic inspect the boat’s machinery to catch issues that might not be visible during routine checks.
6. Navigation Rules Violation
Definition: “Violation of the statutory and regulatory rules governing the navigation of vessels.”
Discussion: NO EXCUSES! You can learn Nav Rules for free! Do yourself a favor and take NauticEd’s FREE NAVIGATION RULES course online. Seriously, it doesn’t cost you a penny and takes about 3 hours. If you need extra practice, there are dedicated Navigation Rules (both US and International) modules in Virtual Reality.
7. Alcohol
No definition needed here: we’re all adults who know what alcohol is and that drinking alcohol, especially excessive drinking, impairs us mentally and physically. No excuses here either – drinking is totally a decision the skipper makes. I.e., it’s best to stay sober or at least drink responsibly when operating a boat.
Notably and while alcohol is #7 on the overall accident list, alcohol is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents! As such, not only is alcohol a dangerous risk factor, but for all practical purposes it’s also a risk multiplier in terms of fatal accidents.
Otherwise, please keep these stats in mind when you see that party power boat zooming towards you! Just assume they may be a risk and sail defensively.
8. Weather
Definition: “As a contributing factor of an accident, ‘Weather’ is supposed to signify a stormy or windy condition, usually connoting rough or high seas and dangerous operating conditions.”
Discussion: Weather is always a challenge for sailors: too little wind and we can’t really sail, and too much wind/sea state becomes dangerous. Thus, it’s critical that sailors understand the weather and sail within skill limits! So much so that one of the most important weather decisions a sailor makes is whether or not to cast off and leave the dock at all! NauticEd offers 2 courses in this regard – a Weather Course to learn the fundamentals needed for planning your sail, and Storm Tactics for sailors planning to sail in more “robust” weather conditions.
9. Hazardous Waters
Definition: “Rapid tidal flows (the vertical movement of water) and/or currents (the horizontal flow of water) resulting in hazardous conditions in which to operate a boat.”
Discussion: In the data, this applies more to canoes, kayaks, etc… wherein water flow is a greater hazard. But… “hazardous waters” accidents do happen in sailing, assumingly more related to currents and tidal flows. Below are a handful of sailing situations when current can become a risk factor:
1. Docking/Maneuvering Under Power: Currents can make for challenging docking and maneuvering situations, especially at low speeds. The direction of the current relative to your intended docking position is crucial: pushing you sideways, decreasing or increasing speed if heading against/with the current, OR in some situations you may even lose steerage. Consider the Maneuvering Under Power (Docking) course to learn tactics and make more “informed decisions” in different situations.
2. Planning for currents: This isn’t so much a hazard as it is simple prudence to plan routes while taking currents into account. However, this can become a safety issue if a current potentially pushes you off course and into a hazardous situation, such as lee shores, nav hazards, shipping lanes, etc… NauticEd’s Coastal Navigation course covers currents in depth.
3. Opposing wind and current: if you encounter strong opposing wind and currents, this will make the sea state “uncomfortable” and a bit riskier. Also, at times, this can make helming (steering) the boat more challenging with opposing forces (fatigue can become an issue). For example, the boat’s response to helm inputs may feel delayed or exaggerated depending on the relative strength of the wind and current.
4. In the extreme, there are many channels and inlets wherein tidal currents may overwhelm the vessel. For this you’ll need to plan accordingly!
10. Force of Wake / Wave
Definition: “The track in the water of a moving boat; commonly used for the disturbance of the water (waves) resulting from the passage of the boat’s hull.”
Discussion: Otherwise, known as a “wake”. This typically isn’t an issue for sailboats, except for (a) BIG wakes from larger boats (there are many knucklehead power boaters who don’t pay attention to their wakes), and (b) wakes causing sudden pitching/yawing. Obliously smaller sailboats need to be more attentive to wakes than their larger, heavier displacement, friends.
Notably, this is when #1 Paying Attention is really important! The skipper (or lookout) needs to identify potentially problematic wakes, warn the crew, and prepare to maneuver through the wake. The risks of not doing so include (1) crew overboard or injuries if they’re knocked around/fall, and (2) accidentally gybing the boat if sailing downwind. And, always remember the sailing golden rule of “keeping one hand for the boat” for unexpected wake/wave action…
Deadly Dozen?
OK, so while the title of this blog is the “Deadly Dozen…”, admittedly we just listed the top 10 overall. But there are 2 other factors that also contribute to sailing accidents specifically and round out the Deadly Dozen factors in accidents:
11. Improper Anchoring
Definition: “Where a boat is either in the process of being anchored incorrectly or incorrectly held in place in the water by an anchor.”
Discussion: When anchoring, be wary of the loads that you’re putting on the anchor and rode, especially when ‘backing down’ on the anchor under power. As for anchoring correctly, that’s an expansive topic that we’re not covering here. Instead, if you need help anchoring – take the online Anchoring a Sailboat course…
12.Restricted Vision:
Definition: “A vessel operator’s vision is said to be restricted when it is limited by a vessel’s bow high trim, or by glare, sunlight, bright lights, a dirty windshield, spray, a canopy top, etc.”
Discussion: again, this is when you need to have a lookout, a second set of eyes that especially pays attention to your blind spots – especially areas that your sails may blanket (visually) and at times when your freeboard may block vision when docking or maneuvering in close quarters (or for example if there are swimmers, paddle boarders, kayakers, etc… in your immediate area).
A Parting Thought…
Below is excellent, seasoned advice offered by the USCG that every sailor should heed!
“Boaters should remain vigilant on the water as most incidents occur when you might least expect them – in good visibility, calm waters and little wind,” said Capt. Amy Beach, Inspections and Compliance director. “The most frequent events involve collisions with other vessels, objects or groundings, which is why it is so important to keep a proper lookout, navigate at a safe speed, adhere to navigation rules and obey navigation aids.” [emphasis added]
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If you’re interested in reading more and diving into the details, the main source of data and quotes in this blog is the USCG’s Recreational Boating Statistics
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