Canadian Yachting
Prevention is key to avoiding a man-overboard (MOB) accident. Regardless of conditions it's always possible for passengers or crew members to fall overboard. Unless it's calm weather - wear a safety harness attached to a proper jack line or suitable strong point on the boat when venturing out on deck. Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) should always be worn, and be in a highly visible colour. Attach a light, preferably a strobe, to the PFD at night.
Rescue Drill: Quick Stop Method
Remember this sequence: Shout – Throw – Stop – Lookout – Return
Shout
Cry “Overboard” to alert all on board that someone is in the water.
Throw
Immediately throw the nearest available floating object toward the victim in the water, followed by a proper life ring and/or man-overboard pole.
Stop
Immediately, stop the boat.
Lookout
The lookout is the invisible lifeline between the victim and the boat. One of the crew must point constantly at the victim in the water to guide the helmsman. High waves can obscure the victim and make this essential task very difficult.
Return
Return to the victim’s position as rapidly as possible. When the victim is close abeam, make sure the propellers are completely stopped. It cannot be too strongly emphasized that moving propellers will inflict grave damage to a body.
This procedure can be carried out efficiently only after plenty of practice. Both the approach to the victim and bringing the victim aboard should be practiced until the crew is comfortable with all steps of the procedure.
Learn more about “Emergencies at Seas” at www.boatingcourses.ca for Boating 4 course dates.
Original article published here.