The NSC does not include emergency services to boaters, whether club members or not. In the event of an emergency, NSC members should call 911.
If you are experiencing any kind of marine emergency at the NSC or out on Lac Deschênes:
Call 911 or, using a marine radio, go to channel 16 and use the appropriate distress call
The dispatcher will ask you about the type of emergency you are experiencing, your vessel’s name, your location, the number of people on board, and for any other relevant information.
In the event that you are unable to contact emergency services, use any means available to signal others nearby who may be able to provide assistance.
For non-emergencies:
Call 613-232-1551 or 311 for Ottawa Fire Services
Call 613-236-1222 or 311 for Ottawa Police Services
Call 811 to connect with a registered nurse.
During posted office hours, NSC staff may perform towing services but only inside the harbour. However, club members may use club boats to respond if qualified.
Marine Emergency Planning
At NSC, we encourage all skippers—whether solo or with crew—to review and prepare emergency procedures tailored to their vessel. It’s not just good seamanship—it’s smart safety.
If you have questions or need help getting started, reach out to the Harbour Master, Fleet Captain, or visit the Clubhouse/Office.
Disclaimer: The content below is provided strictly as a convenience to you for your information. The NSC is not responsible for the accuracy of content or for the content of linked third-party sites and does not make any representations regarding their content or accuracy.
Whether you’re cruising the Ottawa River or heading out for a day of racing, it’s important to be ready for the unexpected. Transport Canada provides everything you need to prepare for emergencies aboard small vessels—whether you operate a sailboat, powerboat, or commercial workboat.
Where to Start
Review the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide – Chapter 5
https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/chapter-5-be-ready-emergencies
Download, customize and print the Transport Canada Emergency Procedures Templates
https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/templates-small-commercial-vessel-procedures-records
Procedures are available for: Man Overboard, Onboard Fire, Taking on Water / Flooding, Abandon Ship, Pollution Response, First Aid and Medical Emergencies.
Required Emergency Equipment
Use Transport Canada’s tool to identify what emergency equipment your vessel requires: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/safe-boating-guide#toc_2
The required emergency equipment depends on your boat’s size and use, and may include:
- Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or life jackets, one of suitable size per person
- Sound signalling device (e.g. whistle or air horn)
- Waterproof flashlight and flares
- Heaving line or lifebuoy
- Fire extinguisher
- Waterproof First Aid kit (Transport Canada approved)
Train, Drill, and Record
If you operate with regular crew, it is recommended to train and drill emergency procedures:
- Train your crew on all emergency procedures
- Conduct drills for common emergencies (e.g., fire, MOB, abandon ship)
- Keep written records of your drills and training sessions (keeping records helps demonstrate compliance, improves preparedness, and supports safe boating).
Marine Emergency Procedures
In all emergency situations, take no chances, and stay safe. Call 911 or Ottawa Fire Service at 613-232-1551
In the meantime, the following guidance may be of assistance to you and your crew.
Life-Threatening Emergency
In a water emergency, act fast, stay calm, and communicate clearly:
- Assess the Situation: Identify the type and severity of danger (medical issue, vessel damage, etc.) and alert the crew.
- Call for Help: Dial 911, Ottawa Fire Service at 613-232-1551 or use maritime radio distress signals. Provide vessel name, location (GPS if possible), number of people on board, and details.
- Stay Calm and Communicate: Keep crew informed. Give first aid if needed until help arrives.
- Use Navigation and Communication Tools: Share accurate coordinates. Keep radio/devices ready for updates and instructions.
- Maintain Contact: If possible, stay in touch with responders or those in distress. Offer reassurance and guidance.
- Prepare for Evacuation: Have life jackets, rafts, and safety gear ready.
- Wait for Professional Help: Hold position, follow directions, and act promptly if the situation changes.
Regular emergency drills help ensure everyone knows their role and equipment use.
Crew Overboard
You must choose the best crew overboard recovery technique for the sea conditions, your crew and your boat. Here’s a breakdown of the actions involved when someone has fallen overboard.
1. Alert and Identify: Shout “Crew Overboard!” so everyone onboard knows. Point and keep eyes on the person in the water.
2. Deploy a Flotation Device: Throw the nearest lifebuoy, life jacket, or throwable flotation device. Aim close, adjusting for wind/current. Reassure the person and let them know help is coming.
4. Maintain Visual Contact: Assign crew to continuously track the person.
5. Manoeuvre for Recovery: Motor boats typically are more maneuverable and can quickly circle back around to recover COB. For sailboats, there are several recovery techniques with the following three being more common:
- The Figure Eight or Quick Turn – this method has a lot of merit because it avoids a jibe. Change course to a beam reach and hold for 15 seconds, head into the wind and tack, leave the jib fluttering, veer off until the boat is at a broad reach, turn upwind until the vessel is pointing at the victim, slacken the mainsail until the vessel comes to a stop with the victim in the lee side of the boat.
- The Crash Stop – Slows your boat quickly and keeps you close to your COB. Immediately turn into the wind to de-power the sailboat. Complete a half-circle upwind of the COB. Put your sailboat in irons and drift toward and recover your crew.
- The Williamson Turn – generally consists of placing the rudder full over to the side of the casualty, deviating 60 degrees from the original course and then shifting the rudder full over to the opposite side. When the heading is approximately 20 degrees short of the reciprocal course, the rudder should be placed amidships and the vessel steadied up. If used, engines should be stopped in the water with the person alongside, well forward of the propellers.
6. In the event of an injury or for help recovering a person who has fallen overboard, call 911, Ottawa Fire Services at 613-232-1551 or use VHF maritime radio (Channel 16) to alert authorities and nearby boats.
7. Training Matters: Practice MOB drills regularly. Know how to use your safety gear and perform recovery manoeuvres before you need them.
Staying calm, acting fast, and practicing ahead of time saves lives.
Fire Onboard or Dock Fire
- Alert the crew, sound the alarm and notify everyone on board. Isolate the fire to the extent possible – if safe to do so, close off affected areas to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Call Ottawa Fire Service at 613-232-1551 and follow instructions. Clear the area of all crew and spectators and keep access clear for the Fire Department.
- IF THERE IS NO DANGER OF EXPLOSION (fire not near a fuel source, fuel tank, or propane containers), deploy fire extinguishers and fire blankets to abate or extinguish the fire.
Taking on Water / Flooding
(… To be developed)
Grounding or Collision
- In the event of a grounding or collision, check the extent of damage: Inspect the vessel for leaks, structural damage, or breaches.
- Determine the vessel’s stability and whether assistance is needed.
- If assistance is needed, contact the relevant authorities and provide the necessary information.
Abandoning Ship
- For whatever reason, abandoning ship is an emergency situation.
- Communicate your situation, call emergency services or use radio or other communication devices to call for help.
- Deploy life-saving equipment, ensure life rafts, life jackets, and distress signals are readily available.
- Evacuate the vessel calmly and orderly, and maintain a safe distance while you wait for assistance to arrive.
Severe Weather Approaching
As a rule, boaters should monitor weather conditions and act accordingly so as not to be caught out in dangerous weather conditions or unprepared.
Monitor weather forecasts. Stay informed about upcoming weather conditions. Make necessary preparations, secure loose items, reef sails, and ensure everyone is wearing life jackets and prepared for bad weather.
Non Life Threatening Emergencies
If aground on rocks, or with no propulsion/anchor dragging, or for any medical emergency, call Ottawa Fire Service at 613-232-1551 as needed.
Minor Emergency
Aground: If you find yourself aground on a soft bottom, try techniques such as kedging or hailing other nearby watercraft for assistance getting off the ground and back underway.
Engine Failure
In the event of an engine failure, a sailboat can try sailing to the north end of W-dock. A Club boat can tow you to the service dock or your assigned slip later, when available.
Alternatively, ask for qualified Club volunteers to assist you by using a club boat for towing, for a fuel delivery or help getting you engine started again if possible.
(…Conclusion TBD)