You have disconnected the cables from the smart terminals on the docks of our marina in Genoa, checked the fuel level, and looked at the weather: everything is ready to cast off and leave our harbor. Perhaps you have started a long cruise in the Mediterranean, or maybe you simply plan a trip to San Fruttuoso or Portofino. However, after leaving your berth in Genoa, your engine starts acting up, eventually failing completely. What should you do in such a situation? First of all, it is essential to remain calm, knowing that a non-functioning engine does not inherently endanger the boat. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure your position is safe and, if necessary—considering location, depth, and weather conditions—drop anchor. If you find yourself in a passage area, it is crucial to effectively signal your presence to let other boats know you are stationary and in difficulty; in this case, it is certainly advisable to have everyone on board wear life jackets to maximize safety. At this point, it is necessary to take action to return to the port of Genoa: how does the towing at sea procedure work? Who should you call, and who can provide this service?

Prevention and being prepared

Of course, no boater wants to find themselves in a situation where they need to request towing at sea; after all, none of us, when leaving the berth at the tourist port, imagines encountering such misfortunes. However, it is up to the sailors to do everything possible to prevent this from happening: accidents are avoided by navigating carefully and prudently, respecting the rules of the sea; breakdowns are prevented with good boat maintenance in all its parts.

Undoubtedly, most boaters who contact towing services at sea have engine-related issues, which could arise from clogged filters, dirty injectors, corroded connections, fluid leaks, and so on. In all these cases, prevention plays a major role, either personally or with the help of a professional: those mooring at our marina in Genoa can take advantage of the proximity of many nautical workshops ready to take care of boats, vessels, and superyachts, minimizing the chances of being stranded at sea.

But who should you call for towing services at sea, to return as soon as possible to your berth in Genoa?

In case of danger: the Coast Guard

In most cases, those immobilized at sea, perhaps exposed to passing large ships, or with bad weather approaching, or dangerously close to rocks, should contact the Coast Guard. Knowing that, of course, towing at sea is not among its duties: the Coast Guard intervenes directly only when the lives of those on board are genuinely in danger. Therefore, do not be surprised if the relevant authority, even before asking what happened to the boat, inquires if everyone on board is safe, to perform its primary and fundamental task.

In the event of danger, the Coast Guard (or rather, the harbor master’s office, which is located very close to our Genoa marina) will mobilize quickly to ensure rescuers reach the boat’s exact position. But what if there is no imminent danger? The Coast Guard can still be invaluable, acting as a swift intermediary between a boater stranded at sea and professionals specializing in maritime towing. Thus, without having to actively search for a tugboat, you can benefit from the connections of the Genoa Harbor Master, who will ask a comprehensive series of questions regarding the type of boat, its dimensions, weight, and so on: this ensures that a suitable and properly equipped tugboat can be contacted. It goes without saying that such a service, even if initially mediated by the Coast Guard, will be subject to a fee, often involving significant costs. It is therefore worth considering handling the situation differently if there is no actual emergency.

Contacting someone directly for towing at sea

Let’s assume that, despite dealing with a breakdown after leaving your berth in Genoa, you are sure you are not exposed to any imminent danger: if the situation allows, it is obviously possible to avoid calling the Harbor Master’s Office, instead contacting directly those who can offer towing services. Here, the options can vary. Those who frequently visit our marina in Genoa might know a professional offering towing services, thus bypassing any intermediary; among the boaters mooring at our berths, several have subscribed to memberships with companies (two particularly well-known in the market) offering sea assistance services, thus having “free” towing of the boat when needed.

Note: these are not the only options! It happens that, in the complete absence of danger, and for short distances, a boat in distress can also be towed by a friendly vessel (typically larger), such as a dock neighbor at Marina Porto Antico. The important thing is to proceed safely, checking the strength of the towing hooks and the resistance of the ropes, then proceeding at a reduced speed.

As mentioned, the important thing is to keep calm, so you can objectively assess the situation and then make the best decision to return to port, remembering that the priority should always be to protect the health of those on our boat and those navigating nearby.