What should be the first action if a vessel experiences an emergency situation?

In an emergency situation on a vessel, the first action should be to send an SOS signal. This is crucial because it alerts nearby vessels and rescue services that help is needed immediately. The SOS signal is an internationally recognized distress signal and can be transmitted via radio, which is one of the quickest methods to communicate your situation.

The urgency of sending an SOS before taking other actions stems from the fact that, in critical emergencies, time can be of the essence. The sooner assistance is requested, the better the chances of ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Other actions, while they may be necessary eventually, do not provide the immediate alert that sending an SOS does; for instance, searching for nearby boats may be impractical if the situation is dire, and contacting port authorities or home may take longer than simply broadcasting a distress signal.