Being surrounded by lightning on a boat is a serious and potentially dangerous situation. Here are some steps you can take to minimise the risk and ensure safety:

Immediate Actions:

1. Seek Shelter: If you’re on deck, move to a cabin or the boat’s interior. Avoid touching metal or electrical equipment.

2. Avoid the Helm and Metal Parts: Don’t touch or use the helm, as it may be electrically conductive. Avoid contact with any metal parts of the boat.

3. Stay Low: If you can’t get inside the cabin, crouch low to the deck and stay as far away from tall objects or metal fittings as possible.

4. Don’t Use Electrical Equipment: Avoid using electronic devices or turning on/off any electrical equipment, which could increase the risk of electrical shock.

5. Disconnect Electrical Devices: If safe, disconnect or turn off non-essential electrical devices and equipment to minimise damage.

6. Store sensitive IT equipment: If your boat has an oven, consider storing your mobile phones, tablets, and laptops inside. The oven works like a Fahrenheit gauge and will protect your equipment from potential damage. 
7. Be prepared to abandon ship: In case of severe damage and sinking, ensure you and your crew know all procedures surrounding abandoning ship. (Read more about Sinking yacht – Abandon ship).

Safety Precautions:

1. Ensure the Boat’s Grounding System is Functional: Most modern boats are equipped with grounding systems designed to direct lightning strikes safely into the water. Ensure your boat’s grounding and bonding systems are properly maintained.

2. Avoid Overhead Objects: Avoid masts, antennas, and other tall structures that could attract lightning.

3. Please do Not Use the Radio: Do not use the VHF radio unless absolutely necessary, as it could attract a lightning strike.

4. Brief your crew: Ensure your crew is aware of and following these procedures. (Read more about the safety brief).

After the Storm:

1. Please look over the Boat: Once the storm has passed, carefully look over the boat for any signs of damage or issues caused by the lightning strike, such as damaged electronics or electrical systems.

2. Inspect all seacocks: Ensure all seacocks are functioning correctly and not leaking. Seacocks are particularly vulnerable as they are a common exit point for lightning strikes.

3. Check for Injuries: Ensure all crew members are safe and check for any injuries. Provide first aid if needed and seek medical attention for more serious injuries. (Read more about first aid kits on boats). 

4. Document the Damage: If there is significant damage, document it for insurance purposes and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

5. Review and Learn: After the incident, review what happened and learn from it. Adjust your safety procedures, and ensure all crew members know the proper actions during a lightning storm.

Preventive Measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure regular maintenance and inspection of your boat’s grounding and electrical systems.

2. Weather Awareness: Monitor weather forecasts and be aware of potential thunderstorms. Please don’t forget to avoid heading out if thunderstorms are predicted.

3. Emergency Plan: Have a clear emergency plan and ensure all crew members are familiar with it.

Taking these steps can help you stay safe and reduce the risks of lightning while on the water.