Man Over Board (MOB)

Other than having your boat sink, there’s nothing more frightening than having someone fall overboard. Bur there are standard procedures that.  If used, can properly, can make such an event almost routine.  The trick is to not panic, and follow these procedures,

Anyone who sees someone go overboard shouts, “Man overboard” and continually point in the direction of the MOB.

Immediately throw a MOB marker and a floatation device upwind of the MOB, to help the person stay afloat. Throw so that they drift toward the person overboard. Anything that will keep the person afloat: life jackets/PFDs, life rings, or floating boat cushions; anything that will float.

Quickly brief your crew on the recovery procedure.

Use orange smoke, dye marker, or toss a buoy with an attached life ring if available.

Stay calm, and shout encouraging words while maintaining constant sight of the MOB. It’s easy to lose sight of someone in the water.

Hit the MOB button on the GPS, if available.

If you lose site of the MOB for more than a minute, issue a mayday call on the VHF.

Have a crew member prepare a floating line. If not available a line with a large loop.

Once close to the MOB give directions to throw the line  to the MOB, Instructing the MOB to put the line around his body and under his arms.

Slowly pull the MOB to the boat, making sure that the MOP has their face above water. Pull slowly them so they won’t go under water.

Once alongside pull the MOB aboard.

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