Handling Marine Emergencies in Kuwait

Everyone who goes to sea hopes nothing happens, but the one who prepares for the worst is the one who returns safely. Marine emergencies are not solved by intelligence in the moment — they are solved by preparation beforehand and clear steps.

First: Do Not Panic

The first mistake in an emergency is panic. Take a deep breath, stabilize your boat if you can, and start the following steps in order. A calm mind finds solutions faster than shaking hands.

Man Overboard

• Shout clearly: "Man overboard!" so everyone pays attention.
• Throw something buoyant near him — a life ring or any light object.
• Assign one person to keep eyes on the victim at all times.
• Return the boat slowly and pull him in under his armpits — not by his legs.

Engine Failure

• First, drop the anchor — so you do not drift into a current or nets.
• Check fuel, battery, and connections.
• If it will not start, call for help and give your location.
• Do not work under the engine alone without knowing the cause.

Sudden Weather Change

If you see waves rising and wind strengthening, do not push on with hope — turn the bow into the waves (not sideways) and head back to port at a suitable speed. If sinking becomes imminent, the life jacket and a distress call are your first priorities.

Document and Report

After handling the situation, report it to the authorities even if it was resolved — your report helps others. Record the incident location and time: this information matters for investigations and for your legal protection.

The B7R app has an SOS button for emergencies — a shortcut for fast distress calls, and the more ready your tools, the faster and more accurate your response.

Prepare your life jacket, secure your anchor, save emergency numbers, and teach your passengers the basics before you leave. The sea gives, but we must be ready to take every step safely.

Download the B7R app and keep it with you on every trip — help in one tap, the rest is up to your preparation.

Emergency Gear That Belongs on Your Boat

• One life jacket per person — kept within reach, not buried in a cabin.
• A life ring attached to a rope.
• A water-resistant communication device or a phone in a protective case.
• A whistle — louder than your voice and carries further.
• A basic first aid kit.
• A handheld light with spare batteries.

Simple Drills Make the Difference

You do not need to be a professional rescuer, but practice two steps with your passengers: how to throw a life ring and how to dial the emergency number. Five minutes of practice before departure could save a life.

Report After the Incident

Do not leave the sea after an incident unless you are sure the authorities know what happened. Even a minor event — like hitting a buoy — is worth reporting; it helps maintain the buoy and protect other boats.