What should you do if you see a distress signal from another boat?

When you see a distress signal from another boat, it's crucial to respond immediately and provide assistance if it is safe to do so. The presence of a distress signal indicates that the crew on that vessel requires urgent help, and as a fellow mariner, you have a moral and legal obligation to assist whenever possible.

Responding promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome for individuals in distress, as every moment counts in an emergency situation. The action of providing assistance may involve approaching the distressed vessel, offering resources, or communicating their situation to emergency responders if necessary.

While there might be other ways to address the situation, such as calling the coast guard or reporting the incident to a marina, these actions should ideally follow your immediate response if safe. Engaging directly allows you to assess the situation firsthand and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of those in distress. Ignoring the signal is not only unhelpful but can also have dire consequences for the individuals in need of help.