The damage card states "before you engage..."

If the ship with this damage card isn't in range of any attacker or defender (or any other of my opponents ships) is this ship still considered to be engaging?

Sorry if this has already been clarified

4 minutes ago, Snake3y3s said:

The damage card states "before you engage..."

If the ship with this damage card isn't in range of any attacker or defender (or any other of my opponents ships) is this ship still considered to be engaging?

Sorry if this has already been clarified

Yes the ship still engages.

Yes, "engaging" is when your turn comes up during the attack phase. Whether or not you are actually able to attack when you engage is separate.