Lightning Strike Procedure
Step-by-step actions to take after your vessel is struck by lightning. Crew safety comes first — then assess the boat.
CHECK CREW FIRST. THEN THE BOAT.
Lightning can cause cardiac arrest, hearing loss, or burns. Check every crew member before anything else. Then systematically assess hull, rigging, electronics, and engine.
Response Steps
Check Crew Safety First
Ensure no crew member has been injured or knocked unconscious. Lightning can cause cardiac arrest — check pulses and breathing. Perform CPR if needed and call for medical assistance on VHF Ch 16.
Assess Structural & Rigging Damage
Inspect the mast, standing rigging, and hull for cracks, splits, or damage. A strike can blow out rigging fittings or delaminate the hull. Tap the hull around the chainplates and keel — hollow sounds indicate delamination.
Check for Hull Breaches & Bilge
Check the bilge for water ingress immediately. A strike can blow out through-hull fittings or create hairline cracks below the waterline. Start the bilge pump and monitor water levels closely.
Test All Electronics & Navigation
Check chartplotter, GPS, VHF, AIS, depth sounder, and autopilot — electronics are the most common casualty of a strike. Note what still works. If the chartplotter is dead, switch to backup charts and a handheld VHF.
Verify Engine Operation
Start the engine and confirm it runs. Lightning can fry the starter solenoid, alternator, or engine electronics. If the engine won't start, you may be under sail alone — assess your ability to reach safe harbour.
Check Compass Accuracy
A strike can magnetise the keel or rigging, making the compass unreliable. Compare compass heading against GPS heading (if still functioning). If they disagree, do not trust the compass.
Assess Steering & Rudder
Verify the steering responds normally. Check the quadrant, cables, and hydraulic fluid if fitted. A strike can damage autopilot drives or hydraulic rams connected to the steering system.
Make a Go / No-Go Decision
If hull integrity is compromised, electronics are dead, or the engine won't start — head for the nearest safe port under sail if possible. If the vessel is sound and systems are functional, log the incident and continue with caution. File a Mayday if in doubt.
Go / No-Go Decision
- • Hull is sound, no water ingress
- • Rigging is intact
- • Engine starts and runs
- • At least one navigation system works
- • Steering responds normally
- • Water entering the hull
- • Mast or rigging damaged
- • Engine won\'t start
- • All electronics are dead
- • Steering is unresponsive
If in Doubt — Call Mayday
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
This is [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name].
Mayday. Position: [GPS coordinates].
Vessel struck by lightning. [Crew injuries / damage status].
Require immediate assistance. Over."