Necessity knows no commandment. Or does it? If you're in a real predicament, you won't bother with regulations, directives and paragraphs. Who can blame them? Especially when life and limb are at stake. Sure, distress at sea is one thing, but what do I do if the engine goes on strike or the steering gear suddenly gives up the ghost? Somehow get out of the fairway, away from the shallows and drop anchor? If I can, yes. And if not? Anyone drifting in the fairway unable to manoeuvre should warn other shipping in their own interest.
The only question is how? If you don't have anything on board, you will try to do this by repeatedly raising and lowering your arms outstretched to the side. Of course, this only works if the other boats or ships are in the immediate vicinity. In this case, sounding the horn and flashing (position lanterns) may also help. If you have one, you can use hand flares or flares to draw attention to your plight. However, because looking away and listening are unfortunately widespread nowadays, even this does not always work. Radios and telephones are proven to be much better.
Via the emergency call channels 16 or 70 DSC (the "Digital Selective Calling" prescribed for modern radios and usually coupled with a chart plotter automatically forwards the emergency call with exact position information to the responsible rescue centre at the push of a button), channel 10 in inland navigation radio or the Nautical Information Radio (NIF), you will always be heard.
Provided your mobile phone has a network and a charged battery, you can reach the Bremen Maritime Rescue Centre (MRCC) of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) on the German North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts by calling 12 41 24. On inland waterways, people seeking help dial 112 or 110. Depending on the location and situation, the emergency call centre will then inform the water police, fire brigade, water and shipping authority, DLRG or the Red Cross.
The private "SeaHelp" breakdown service is available to members and those who want to become members via a 24-hour hotline on 00385-919 112 112 (Adriatic) or 00800-112 00 112 (Balearics and Baltic).
Press officer Antke Reemts would like to say the following to anyone who thinks they can only call the DGzRS when it is a matter of "bare survival": "We are always there as soon as the skipper needs assistance. Basically, it is up to the skipper to decide whether he needs help. It is important for us to emphasise that the DGzRS not only helps in an emergency at sea, but also when technical assistance or tow-in help is needed.
In the event of technical assistance (can be called by telephone on 0049 (0)421-53 68 70), the DGzRS charges a reimbursement of operating costs of 200 euros per hour, up to a maximum of 400 euros. Insurers often bear these costs because the vehicle has been spared major damage. Everyone should clarify this question with their insurance company in good time. Rescue from distress at sea is of course free of charge".
On the subject of insurance
Anyone who believes that they are adequately covered by liability insurance should bear in mind that their liability does not cover damage to their own boat. And certainly not the costs of salvage and/or wreck removal (see also BOOTE 5, p. 16 "Help, we're sinking!"). If you are not adequately insured, you may lose your house and yard. This is why hull insurance that covers salvage and wreck removal costs is always a good idea.
But be careful, the hull insurance will of course only pay if there is an insured loss event. If the skipper acts with "gross negligence", he must not only pay for the damage to his own boat, but also the salvage costs. You can read about the possible "cruelties" that the skipper and owner may have to face under the heading "Everything that is right".
Just this much in advance: towing, for a long time a matter of course among seafarers and boaters, for which you thank them with a "Buddel Köm" (German for "schnapps") or a meal in a harbour restaurant, can lead to a tangible legal dispute under certain circumstances.
According to Section 27 (1) of the German Maritime Traffic Regulations (SeeSchStrO), only vessels that have the necessary equipment and whose manoeuvrability is guaranteed when towing or pushing may tow or push. The exception to this rule is not stipulated anywhere: in an emergency, a pleasure craft may (and should!) of course "tow" another, but only to the nearest harbour or berth.
Motor sport vessels towing other recreational craft, says § 2 Para. 1 No. 7 of the SeeSchStO, are not considered to be towing machine vessels within the meaning of the Collision Prevention Regulations (KVR). This means that they must observe the rules of evasion in relation to other vessels, but are therefore not bound by the
the lights prescribed in Rule 24 of the COLREGs.
Whether and how the towed boat must be "manned" is not regulated. A "crew" only makes sense if it can keep the disabled vessel on course using its steering gear. And when mooring, of course. Otherwise, you are better off on the manoeuvrable, towed boat. Safe is safe! In any case, the skipper of the "tugboat" is always responsible, whose insurance will be asked to pay in the event of a "ramming".
If, despite all the risks, which can be eliminated relatively quickly with a letter or binding agreements between witnesses (see p. 73), you are not one of those who look the other way and want to help a boater in distress, there are a few practical things you should bear in mind: If you want to be taken on the famous hook (i.e. towed away), stand in the cockpit or, even better, on the foredeck so that you are clearly visible to potential helpers and wave the towline held ready in bays.
THE COMPLETE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE TOPICSLIPPING OFF CAN BE FOUND IN THEAUGUST ISSUE FROM BOATS THATNOW IN THE TRADE.
