It's a situation none of us ever want to face, but the reality is that emergencies can happen to even the most experienced boaters. Understanding what can go wrong—and knowing who to call—puts you in a much better position to respond when the unexpected occurs.

Channel Watch Marine Services continuously monitors marine radio frequencies and stands ready to respond to marine emergencies throughout our service area, whether dispatched by the U.S. Coast Guard, contacted directly by a mariner in distress, or upon identifying a vessel in need of assistance.

One of the most common questions we receive is, "How much do emergency services cost?" The answer depends entirely on the circumstances, as every incident is different. However, our emergency response services are subject to a minimum per-foot rate, consistent with industry standards for professional marine salvage and emergency response.

In many cases, a vessel's hull insurance policy will cover the cost of emergency services performed to protect, preserve, recover, or salvage the vessel following an accident. We strongly encourage boat owners to carry coverage with an insurance company that has a dedicated marine claims team. These insurers are typically better equipped to understand the urgency of marine incidents and can often provide prompt claim authorization, allowing us to bill them directly and begin protecting your vessel without unnecessary delays.