Boat Safety Essentials: Man-Overboard Procedure
Boat safety is not something to take lightly, whether you are an experienced sailor or are taking ASA sailing courses for the first time. In the unlikely event that someone falls overboard, understanding the basics of man-overboard procedures can mean the difference between life and death. This article and video are designed to help you learn how to handle a man-overboard as safely as possible.
Spot the Person in the Water
The first step is arguably the most important. In the event that a crew member falls overboard, you need someone to spot them immediately. The moment someone falls off, it’s this person’s responsibility to yell “man overboard” and keep their eyes locked on that individual the entire time. It’s crucial to maintain constant eye contact during this stage, as turning away and looking back can make it much harder to relocate the person in the water.
Throw Them a Flotation Device
The second step when you see someone fall overboard is to toss them a life jacket or Throwable TYPE 4 flotation device. This can help them stay afloat and buy more time for you to get them back on board. Don’t stop throwing either— throw anything that floats in their direction. That not only gives the person more things to grab onto, but if you lose sight of them, you’ll be able to get an idea of where they are based on where all the floating objects in the water are positioned.
Get in Position for Rescue
The helmsman needs to immediately hit the MOB button at the helm right away to mark the location of the person in the water.
Next, it’s crucial for the helmsman to:
- Leave the engine on or turn it on if you are under sail. This gives you more control to drive and maneuver the sailboat. If someone’s life is at risk, this is no time to practice sailing maneuvers.
- Take the boat upwind several boat lengths, and then circle back downwind to relocate the person. You want to approach from downwind when possible because this is the direction the rescue will be floating in from. Also pick them up on the most visible side of the boat so you can see them at all times.
- Reverse this approach if conditions are unsafe. In the roughest waves and currents, approaching from upwind can be safer.
- Use the VHF Radio into channel 16 and report mayday in the event that you need assistance only in a life threatening situation.
Once you have located the person who went overboard, it’s time to get them out of the water.
Get the Crew Member Back On Board
Now it’s time to get the person who fell overboard back on the boat! Here are some of the most common devices used to get someone who fell overboard back on the sailboat:
- Life Buoy or Sling: If you have access to these specialized tools designed for rescuing crew members who have fallen off board, choose them first.
- Ropes: If you don’t have access to tools designed for rescue, a rope can be an easy way to get people back on board. The extra halyard with a bowline often works.
- Boat Hook: Use the boat hook to guide the person in the water back to the boat, and use the ladder or a low access point like the platform on the back.
Follow Up on Their Well-Being
Once you have rescued the person overboard, they might not be out of the woods yet. Look for any symptoms of shock, physical injuries, or hypothermia, and rush to get medical care if you notice any telltale signs of life-threatening conditions.
Boat Safety Briefings Can Save Lives
This article and the Boat Safety Series can help you sail safely and respond to emergencies in a safer way. Study these materials before you set sail, and ask a charter checkout attendant to see what flotation devices and safety equipment are on board the sailboat before taking ASA sailing courses or chartering a bareboat.