- Joined
- Feb 27, 2009
- Location
- Milan, NY 12571
MAN OVERBOARD
In the case of a "man overboard" (MOB) the person who observes the incident should shout, "man overboard (starboard or port) side!" and throw a life ring or pfd toward the victim. This will mark the location, as well as provide assurance to the victim. The crew should then point continuously toward the person in the water. If there is another personon board, he/she can be designated to point, as well, while the crew dons a life vest and lifeline.
On hearing the man-overboard alert, the helmsman should immediately put the helm hard to the same side as the victim in order to swing the stern away from the victim, then iniciate a turn to retrieve the victim as quickely as possible. At the same time a PAN-PAN should be sent, giving the vessel location to all other vessels in the area.
*The single (or round) turn, although the fastest, will generally not result in a good approach to the victim unless the vessel is small and extremely maneuverable.
*If the victim is still visible, the quickest turn for larger vessels is the race track.
*If the location of the victim is unknown, the Scharnow turn (turn until headed 240degrees from the original course, then swing back until headed 180 degrees from the original course) should be executed in order to most quickely retrace the original track to where the victim is most likely to be found.
*The Williamson turn (turn until headed 60 degrees from original course, then swing back until headed 180 degrees from the original course) is similar to the Scharnow in returning to the original track, but takes slightely longer to execute.
Generally, the victim should be taken aboard midships on the leeward side. This will keep the victim away from the propellers, give the victim some protection from waves and ensure that the vessel will not be blown out of reach. A step ladder is the best way to retrieve the victim, with a life-jacketed and tethered crew in the water to assist, if necessary.
Be Safe!
In the case of a "man overboard" (MOB) the person who observes the incident should shout, "man overboard (starboard or port) side!" and throw a life ring or pfd toward the victim. This will mark the location, as well as provide assurance to the victim. The crew should then point continuously toward the person in the water. If there is another personon board, he/she can be designated to point, as well, while the crew dons a life vest and lifeline.
On hearing the man-overboard alert, the helmsman should immediately put the helm hard to the same side as the victim in order to swing the stern away from the victim, then iniciate a turn to retrieve the victim as quickely as possible. At the same time a PAN-PAN should be sent, giving the vessel location to all other vessels in the area.
*The single (or round) turn, although the fastest, will generally not result in a good approach to the victim unless the vessel is small and extremely maneuverable.
*If the victim is still visible, the quickest turn for larger vessels is the race track.
*If the location of the victim is unknown, the Scharnow turn (turn until headed 240degrees from the original course, then swing back until headed 180 degrees from the original course) should be executed in order to most quickely retrace the original track to where the victim is most likely to be found.
*The Williamson turn (turn until headed 60 degrees from original course, then swing back until headed 180 degrees from the original course) is similar to the Scharnow in returning to the original track, but takes slightely longer to execute.
Generally, the victim should be taken aboard midships on the leeward side. This will keep the victim away from the propellers, give the victim some protection from waves and ensure that the vessel will not be blown out of reach. A step ladder is the best way to retrieve the victim, with a life-jacketed and tethered crew in the water to assist, if necessary.
Be Safe!