If you run aground, what is recommended action?

If you run aground, what is recommended action?

• A. Continue underway and push off by reversing with full power.
• B. Turn on the engine's emergency shutoff and wait for help.
• C. Stop the engine, avoid pushing the vessel into the shore, check for damage, and call for help if needed.
• D. Continue toward shore to refloat at higher tide.

Answer: (C)

When a boat runs aground, the priority is to take control of the situation and prevent further damage while seeking help if needed. The best move is to stop the engine, avoid pushing the vessel further toward shore, check for any damage, and call for assistance if required. Stopping power helps prevent hull damage, prop or rudder injury, and flooding, and it gives you a moment to assess conditions and plan the next steps. Continuing with full power to push off or moving toward shore to refloat can worsen the situation by tearing fittings, bending the keel, or driving you into shallower or more hazardous areas. Simply turning off the engine’s emergency shutoff and waiting for help isn’t enough on its own because you still need to stop the vessel, assess any damage, and determine if assistance is needed.

When a boat runs aground, the priority is to take control of the situation and prevent further damage while seeking help if needed. The best move is to stop the engine, avoid pushing the vessel further toward shore, check for any damage, and call for assistance if required. Stopping power helps prevent hull damage, prop or rudder injury, and flooding, and it gives you a moment to assess conditions and plan the next steps.

Continuing with full power to push off or moving toward shore to refloat can worsen the situation by tearing fittings, bending the keel, or driving you into shallower or more hazardous areas. Simply turning off the engine’s emergency shutoff and waiting for help isn’t enough on its own because you still need to stop the vessel, assess any damage, and determine if assistance is needed.