When Someone Falls Overboard What Action Should The Skipper Take

When Someone Falls Overboard: A Skipper's Essential Guide to Immediate Action and Rescue

Losing a crew member overboard is a terrifying and potentially life-threatening event. The immediate actions taken by the skipper are absolutely crucial in determining the outcome. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps a skipper must take when faced with this emergency, covering immediate actions, rescue techniques, and post-rescue procedures. Understanding and practicing these procedures is vital for the safety of everyone onboard.

The Critical First Seconds: Immediate Actions

The initial moments after a man overboard (MOB) incident are the most critical. Panic and disorientation can hinder effective response. A well-rehearsed plan and clear communication are paramount.

1. Immediate Recognition and Alert:

• Visual Confirmation: The first priority is confirming that someone has indeed fallen overboard. This might seem obvious, but in challenging conditions, it's crucial to be certain.
• Raise the Alarm: A loud and clear shout of "Man overboard!" should immediately be issued. This alerts the entire crew and starts the clock on the rescue.
• Point and Shout: Simultaneously, someone needs to point directly at the person in the water. This provides crucial visual confirmation for everyone onboard, especially if visibility is poor.

2. Mark the Position:

• Throw a Float: Immediately, throw a brightly coloured buoyant object (lifebuoy, throwable life ring, etc.) towards the person in the water. This marks their position, preventing them from drifting out of sight, especially in currents or waves.
• Note the Time: The precise time of the incident should be noted. This is critical for calculating drift and search patterns.
• Activate the EPIRB/AIS MOB Transponder (if equipped): Immediately activate your Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Automatic Identification System Man Overboard (AIS MOB) transponder, if fitted. These devices send out a distress signal to emergency services, providing your location.

3. Secure the Vessel:

• Reduce Speed Immediately: The vessel should immediately reduce speed or stop completely to avoid running over the person in the water.
• Deploy the MOB Button (if equipped): If your boat has a MOB button, activate it. This function usually automatically marks the location of the MOB on your chartplotter and often assists with other safety functions.
• Assess the Situation: A quick assessment of sea conditions (currents, waves, wind), the condition of the MOB (consciousness, ability to self-rescue), and available resources is crucial.

Rescue Techniques: Selecting the Right Approach

Choosing the right rescue method depends on many factors. The skipper must weigh the risks and available resources, prioritizing the safety of the rescue team as well as the MOB.

1. The Williamson Turn:

This is widely considered the most effective maneuver for recovering a person who has fallen overboard. It’s a quick and efficient turn that minimizes the distance traveled from the MOB, placing the boat in a good position for rescue.

• Executing the Williamson Turn: The vessel turns through 60° away from the MOB, then a 180° turn towards the MOB, before continuing until it's directly over them. The exact steps are quite specific and best learned through practical training.
• Importance of Speed: While the boat must slow to avoid running over the MOB, the turn shouldn't be executed too slowly, to avoid excessive drifting of the person in the water.

2. Alternative Turns (The Modified Williamson, etc.):

If the Williamson turn is too complicated in heavy seas or limited space, other turning maneuvers might be considered. These include the modified Williamson and the single turn, but these require even more practice and are situation-specific.

3. Approaching the MOB:

• Approaching from Downwind: Ideally, the boat should approach the person from downwind, reducing the risk of the boat drifting away from the MOB during the rescue attempt.
• Slow and Steady: Approach slowly and steadily, avoiding creating a wake that might cause further distress or exhaustion to the MOB.
• Communication is Key: Clear communication between the skipper and the crew is essential throughout the rescue operation.

4. Rescue Equipment:

• Lifebuoy with Light: A lifebuoy equipped with a light is critical, particularly at night or in low-visibility conditions.
• Rescue Sling/Throw Bag: These devices can be used to retrieve the person from a short distance.
• Reaching Pole: A reaching pole allows crew members to pull the MOB aboard while minimizing the risk of the rescuer falling into the water.
• Ladder: A properly secured ladder can assist in re-boarding.

Post-Rescue Procedures: Safety and Recovery

Once the MOB is safely back aboard, the post-rescue procedures are just as critical. These focus on safety, assessing the casualty's condition, and continuing safe navigation.

1. Assessment and First Aid:

• Initial Check: Immediately assess the MOB's condition for hypothermia, injuries, and exhaustion.
• First Aid: Provide appropriate first aid, considering potential injuries and exposure.
• Rewarming: If hypothermia is suspected, take steps to gently rewarm the casualty. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

2. Securing the Vessel:

• Stability Check: Ensure the vessel’s stability is not compromised due to the water entering the vessel during rescue.
• Damage Assessment: Check for any damage to the vessel sustained during the MOB incident and the subsequent rescue.

3. Post-Incident Reporting:

• Log Entry: Record the incident in the ship's log, including the time, location, and details of the event, rescue methods used, and any injuries sustained.
• Coast Guard Notification (if needed): If required, inform the coast guard or appropriate maritime authorities.
• Debriefing: A post-incident debriefing with the crew is important to identify areas for improvement and to ensure everyone is processing the experience.

Prevention: Minimizing the Risk of MOB Incidents

Prevention is always better than cure. Implementing robust safety measures significantly reduces the risk of someone falling overboard.

1. Crew Briefing:

• Regular Safety Drills: Conduct regular man overboard drills to ensure everyone is familiar with procedures.
• Safety Briefing: Brief the crew on safety procedures before each voyage, covering MOB procedures and equipment usage.
• Jackstays and Lifelines: Ensure that appropriate jackstays and lifelines are in place and used by the crew, especially in challenging conditions.

2. Proper Clothing and Equipment:

• Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs): Insist on the wearing of PFDs, especially at night or in rough seas. Consider the use of self-inflating PFDs which offer increased protection.
• Appropriate Clothing: Ensure crew members wear appropriate clothing suitable for the environmental conditions.

3. Vessel Maintenance:

• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of essential safety equipment, including life rafts, lifebuoys, and other MOB equipment is essential.

Conclusion: Preparedness is Key

A man overboard situation is a serious emergency that demands swift and decisive action. The skipper plays a vital role in the successful rescue. By understanding and practicing the procedures outlined in this guide, skippers can significantly improve their chances of a positive outcome, protecting the lives of their crew and ensuring the safety of their vessel. Remember, thorough preparation, rigorous training, and clear communication are paramount to minimizing risks and maximizing the chances of a successful rescue. The focus should always be on prevention, but thorough preparedness is essential for when the unexpected happens.