Man overboard (MOB) recovery procedures

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.1

Search and Rescue Standard MOB (man overboard) procedure on a small vessel is the 'Williamson turn' (turn 60° one way then full rudder the other way to return on the reciprocal heading) at night or in poor visibility, or a quick-stop / Anderson turn in clear visibility with the MOB still in sight.

NAVEDTRA 14067 §5-2

Man-overboard recovery When someone falls overboard, the immediate actions are to shout "man overboard, port (or starboard) side," throw a life ring (with a light and smoke marker) to mark the position and give the person something to hold, and post a lookout who does nothing but point continuously at the person in the water so the bridge never loses the position. The engine and rudder are used to bring the ship back: putting the rudder hard over toward the side the person fell (which swings the stern and the propeller away from them) begins the turn. Standard recovery turns include the Williamson turn (rudder hard over, then when about 60 degrees past the original heading shift the rudder hard the other way and steady on the reciprocal, bringing the ship back down her own track and up-wi…

Boat Crew Seamanship Manual (M16114.5C) Ch. 15 — Conducting a Search

Introduction It is critical that an SRU perform all duties assigned in a correct and predictable fashion. In this case, the term SRU includes the vessel, crew, and equipment. Search planners, OSCs, SMCs, and others all make plans based on assumptions they have made. These assumptions are considered when making decisions that could have life and death consequences for someone who may be the object of a major Coast Guard search effort. One assumption made by SAR planners is that the SRU, its crew, and equipment all perform as planned, completing all missions assigned unless advised otherwise. G.1. Failing a Mission In some instances, however, SRUs have failed to properly complete their assigned mission. Reasons may include not having proper equipment onboard, or a crewmember not fully prepar…

Boat Crew Seamanship Manual (M16114.5C) Ch. 16 — Recovery Methods ¶1

Introduction All crewmembers must be prepared when someone falls overboard. Rehearsing how to react is vital to a successful and safe recovery of the individual. When someone falls overboard, crewmembers should always assume the worst has happened. The person could be suffering from shock, may be unconscious, and possibly injured. Rapid recovery of the person is a must. The information here is a general guideline. Actual situations will vary and all details pertaining to each are beyond the scope of this publication. A professional understands and rehearses each possibility remembering that the key to a successful rescue is preparation, practice, and alertness. In this Section This section contains the following information: Title See Page General Man Overboard Procedure 16-2 The Approach …

Boat Crew Seamanship Manual (M16114.5C) Ch. 16 — Recovery Methods ¶2

Chapter 16 – Person-in-the-Water Recovery WARNING CAUTION ! A.5. Maneuvering Boat to Recover PIW If someone falls overboard, the boat may have to be maneuvered for a pickup. In most cases, it starts by turning in the same direction the person fell overboard. Turning towards the same side the person fell overboard will “kick” the stern away preventing the propellers from injuring the PIW. If the person falls off the bow, the turn should be in either direction to kick the stern clear. If the person falls off the stern, in some cases, the eddy current located off the transom can hold the PIW tight against the stern. Applying additional power while turning sharply to either port or starboard will push the PIW clear. In some cases, turning the boat is not possible due to vessel traffic or a nar…

Boat Crew Seamanship Manual (M16114.5C) Ch. 16 — Recovery Methods ¶3

Chapter 16 – Person-in-the-Water Recovery A.14. Summary The general PIW recovery procedures described below apply when an individual falls overboard from any boat. These procedures are in a sequence as it occurs in time: Step Procedure 1 Someone falls overboard. 2 The first crewmember to observe the incident calls out “MAN OVERBOARD” and follows this exclamation with the side from which the event occurred or the person was sighted; then maintains sight of and continuously points to the individual in the water. • A crewmember throws a ring buoy with strobe light over the side as soon as possible after the alarm is sounded. 3 Coxswain will perform the following tasks. The order depends on the situation at hand. Remember - slow down, assess the situation, and take action. • The coxswain turns…