Handling Marine Emergencies in Kuwait: A Practical Guide

Kuwait's sea is beautiful but unforgiving. Marine emergencies are rare, but when they happen seconds decide whether a problem stays small or becomes serious. Preparation and knowing the procedure matter more than any extra gadget or any act of bravery.

Emergency Numbers in Kuwait

Keep these saved in your phone and on paper aboard: 112 for general emergencies in Kuwait, and the Coast Guard at 1880888. Note that numbers can change, so verify them yourself before each season and do not rely on someone else's memory or an old post.

MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16

If there is immediate danger to life or the boat, declare MAYDAY. Switch the VHF to channel 16 and speak clearly: MAYDAY three times, then the boat name or number, your position by GPS coordinates or a description of a nearby landmark, the nature of the problem, the number of people aboard, and the help you need. Keep your phone dry and close, keep trying if you do not get an immediate reply, and do not switch the radio off.

Capsize and Drowning

• Do not swim against the current; stay relaxed and conserve energy for signalling and shouting.
• Wear a life jacket at all times; it is the single most important item in an emergency.
• Stay with the capsized boat if it is still floating, because it is far easier to spot than a single head in the water.
• If someone goes overboard, throw a lifebuoy immediately and do not jump in alone without protection.
• Teach children the drill in calm water so they react instead of freezing.

Fire Aboard

Keep the fire extinguisher in a known, easily reachable place, and check that it is serviced and within its expiry date. At the first sign of fire, cut the electrical and fuel supply if that is safe, then aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames, not at the smoke. If the fire is near the fuel tank, make people and calling for help the priority rather than trying to be a hero.

Plan Before You Leave

Before departure, tell someone else about the trip: destination, duration, number of people aboard, and expected return time. Count life jackets, lifebuoys and first aid supplies, and check sea state and wind before you move. The SOS button in the B7R app helps you send your position fast, and it comes with tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, sea state, a fish guide, a catch log and navigation tools. Download the B7R app free on Google Play.

Remember that seasons and sea conditions are approximate and change with water temperature and wind, so verify numbers and procedures yourself. The most important rule on any trip: if you have doubts, do not go out.

Download the app free from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r and make safety the first decision of every trip.