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Boat breakdown assistance: who helps where
The engine coughs, then silence. On the road you would call a breakdown service. On the water, the first question is a different one: is this just a breakdown, or already an emergency? This page helps you decide, and for each cruising area it lists who handles search and rescue and which breakdown and towing services exist according to their own information. You can print the numbers and keep them on board.
Before you set off, it is worth checking the live water levels and the weather warning map. For what to check when the engine won't start, see our separate guide. If you need to report damage afterwards, our claims page explains the steps.
Emergency or breakdown: what comes first?
It is an emergency when people or the boat are in danger and you cannot help yourselves. Then every minute counts, and there is only one way forward: the distress call. A breakdown is a nuisance, but nobody is at risk, the boat is secure or drifting freely in calm water. Then a breakdown service, the marina or a boatyard can help.
Call for help now
- Water is coming in and the pump cannot keep up.
- Fire or smoke on board.
- Someone has gone overboard or is injured.
- Without power, the boat is drifting towards the shore, rocks, a weir, a lock or into a shipping lane.
- A thunderstorm or gale is approaching and you cannot reach a harbour.
Breakdown service, marina or boatyard
- The engine will not start, but the boat is safely at anchor or alongside.
- The battery or the tank is empty and the weather is calm.
- A line is caught around the propeller and there is hardly any wind.
- You are drifting slowly on a lake with no obstacle nearby.
If in doubt, make the distress call. Better once too early than too late. Where the depth allows, drop the anchor first so the boat stops drifting, then make the call.
Emergency numbers and breakdown services by area
The numbers come from the responsible authorities, the details about breakdown services from the providers' own websites. We do not quote prices or rate anyone, and the order is not a recommendation.
German North Sea and Baltic coast
At sea, every rescue is coordinated by MRCC Bremen, the rescue coordination centre of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). If you dial 112, ask to be put through to MRCC Bremen. With a foreign mobile phone, use the full international number.
Emergency and search and rescue
- MRCC Bremen+49 421 536870
- VHF radioChannel 16
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
SeaHelp
According to the provider, bases and operations centres in three regions: Northern Europe with Germany and the Netherlands, the Adriatic with Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, and Spain with Mallorca and Ibiza.
24 hour emergency line for Europe +43 50 43 112, alternative number +385 919 112 112, plus its own emergency app.
Lists towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, spare parts delivery and pulling boats free after a light grounding among its services for members. Non-members can also call for help; when several calls come in at once, members are served first according to the provider, and non-members are charged according to its price list.
Source: SeaHelp: offices and bases (German), SeaHelp: membership and services (German)
Source: DGzRS, German Maritime Search and Rescue Service: emergency
Rivers, lakes and canals in Germany
On inland waters in Germany, every emergency call goes through 112. The control centre then sends the local responders, depending on the water the fire brigade, the water police or the volunteer lifeguards of DLRG or Wasserwacht.
Emergency and search and rescue
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
BinnenHelp
Describes itself as an emergency breakdown service for inland waters in Germany, working with local technical partners.
According to the provider available at all times, also to boaters who are not members. Contact details are on the provider's website.
Lists fault diagnosis after a breakdown, delivery of spare parts, fuel and oil in urgent cases, and passenger transport. By its own account it is not a salvage or towing service.
Netherlands
The Dutch lifeboat service KNRM advises calling Den Helder Rescue on VHF channel 16 or DSC channel 70, or dialling 112, because the lifeboat stations are usually not staffed.
Emergency and search and rescue
- VHF radioChannel 16, DSC channel 70
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
SeaHelp
According to the provider, bases and operations centres in three regions: Northern Europe with Germany and the Netherlands, the Adriatic with Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, and Spain with Mallorca and Ibiza.
24 hour emergency line for Europe +43 50 43 112, alternative number +385 919 112 112, plus its own emergency app.
Lists towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, spare parts delivery and pulling boats free after a light grounding among its services for members. Non-members can also call for help; when several calls come in at once, members are served first according to the provider, and non-members are charged according to its price list.
Source: SeaHelp: offices and bases (German), SeaHelp: membership and services (German)
Source: KNRM: frequently asked questions
Lake Constance
On Lake Constance, 112 reaches the emergency services from every shore, German, Austrian or Swiss.
Emergency and search and rescue
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
We could not find a breakdown service that publishes this area as its operating region. Before you set off, ask the marina, a boatyard or the local club who can give you a tow, and save the number in your phone.
Lakes and the Danube in Austria
In Austria, 112 also works. The control centre alerts water rescue, fire brigade or police as needed.
Emergency and search and rescue
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
We could not find a breakdown service that publishes this area as its operating region. Before you set off, ask the marina, a boatyard or the local club who can give you a tow, and save the number in your phone.
Adriatic: Croatia, Slovenia, Italy
In Croatia, 195 is the maritime emergency number, free of charge and available around the clock. The Italian Coast Guard answers on 1530. For Slovenia, the European Maritime Safety Agency lists the number of MRCC Koper. VHF channel 16 and 112 work everywhere.
Emergency and search and rescue
- Croatia, sea rescue195
- Italy, Coast Guard1530
- Slovenia, MRCC Koper+386 5 663 2112
- VHF radioChannel 16
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
SeaHelp
According to the provider, bases and operations centres in three regions: Northern Europe with Germany and the Netherlands, the Adriatic with Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, and Spain with Mallorca and Ibiza.
24 hour emergency line for Europe +43 50 43 112, alternative number +385 919 112 112, plus its own emergency app.
Lists towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, spare parts delivery and pulling boats free after a light grounding among its services for members. Non-members can also call for help; when several calls come in at once, members are served first according to the provider, and non-members are charged according to its price list.
Source: SeaHelp: offices and bases (German), SeaHelp: membership and services (German)
Source: Croatian National Tourist Board: information for boaters, EMSA: contact details Slovenia, Guardia Costiera, safety ordinance 09/2026
Spain and the Balearic Islands
In Spain, Salvamento Marítimo is responsible for search and rescue at sea. It can be reached on 900 202 202, through 112 and at sea on VHF channel 16.
Emergency and search and rescue
- Salvamento Marítimo900 202 202
- VHF radioChannel 16
- European emergency number112
Breakdown services in this area
SeaHelp
According to the provider, bases and operations centres in three regions: Northern Europe with Germany and the Netherlands, the Adriatic with Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, and Spain with Mallorca and Ibiza.
24 hour emergency line for Europe +43 50 43 112, alternative number +385 919 112 112, plus its own emergency app.
Lists towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, spare parts delivery and pulling boats free after a light grounding among its services for members. Non-members can also call for help; when several calls come in at once, members are served first according to the provider, and non-members are charged according to its price list.
Source: SeaHelp: offices and bases (German), SeaHelp: membership and services (German)
Source: Salvamento Marítimo
Information as published on the pages listed, retrieved on 19 October 2026. If a provider changes its area or numbers, its own website applies.
What to check in your own policy
Boat policies do not all treat a breakdown the same way, so it pays to look at yours before the season starts. These are the questions that matter.
Is an engine failure on its own an insured event, or are mechanical breakdowns excluded and only the consequences of an accident covered? Is there an optional cover for the engine?
Does the policy pay for a tow after a pure breakdown, and up to what amount? Do you have to call the insurer's assistance line first, so that the help is arranged or approved by them?
Are the costs of rescuers and salvage covered, and only if an authority orders the salvage or also when you call for help yourself? Which cruising area does the cover apply to?
Who counts as an insured person on board, for example paying guests or charter crew? Write the claims number of your insurer next to the emergency numbers on this page.
Keep this list with your boat papers. Emergency numbers belong in the phone of everyone on board, not just the skipper's.
This overview does not replace training for emergencies on board. Numbers and responsibilities can change; the information published by the responsible authorities always prevails.
