Crew Overboard Recovery

When someone falls overboard, the immediate actions are critical. Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD' to alert the crew, throw a lifebuoy and dan buoy towards the casualty to mark their position, and designate one crew member as the pointer — their sole job is to keep a finger pointed at the person in the water at all times. Press the MOB button on the GPS to record the position.

Under power, the crash stop (turning hard towards the side the person fell from, stopping, and reversing back) is the quickest method. The Williamson turn is used when the casualty has been lost from sight: turn hard to one side, then when 60° off original course reverse the helm until on the reciprocal heading — this brings you back along your original track. Under sail, the reach–reach–reach method (also called the figure-of-eight) involves bearing away onto a broad reach, gybing, then coming back on a close reach to approach the casualty from downwind.

Getting the casualty back aboard is often the hardest part. Use a bathing ladder if the casualty is conscious and able to climb. For a weak or unconscious casualty, rig a halyard to a rescue sling or loop it under their arms and use a winch to hoist them. A purpose-built rescue sling (such as a Jonbuoy or Markus net) makes recovery far easier and should be practised before it is needed.

Hypothermia is a major threat. A person in cold water loses heat 25 times faster than in air. After rescue, keep the casualty horizontal — lifting them vertically can cause cold blood from the extremities to rush to the heart, triggering cardiac arrest (circumrescue collapse). Remove wet clothing, insulate with blankets, and give warm drinks only if conscious. Do not rub their skin or apply direct heat.