Man Overboard
If a person falls overboard, you may have only minutes to perform a successful rescue.
This manual cannot address every man overboard situation, therefore it is incumbent upon the
owner/operator to learn man overboard rescue techniques. Practicing man overboard techniques
is an excellent way to prepare for an actual emergency.
Water temperature is a major component in a rescue attempt due to the danger of hypothermia. If the
water temperature is below 21° C (70° F), hypothermia can quickly set in, incapacitate, and kill an
individual. Cold water removes body heat 25 times faster than air, therefore it is imperative to rescue
the victim as quickly as possible.
Water rescue consists of three phases:
• Returning to the victim
• Making contact with the victim
• Getting the victim back aboard the vessel
If an individual falls overboard it is imperative to locate and return to the victim. If at night, use all
available light sources to locate the individual. Locating and returning to the individual include, but
may not be limited to:
1. Make everyone aware of the incident.
2. Visually locate and keep the victim in sight.
3. Slow the vessel when heading towards the victim.
4. When in range, throw a life preserver, even if the victim is wearing a flotation device.
5. This provides and serves as another marker.
Employ the following steps when making contact with the victim:
1. Use a circling procedure and attempt the approach by heading into the wind or into the waves.
2. This allows the victim to drift towards the boat.
3. Maintain a constant visual of the victim.
4. When close to the victim, alongside, stop the engine and place in gear to prevent the propeller
from wind-milling.
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Safety And Operations
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