Safety
Man overboard: the first 60 seconds
What every crew should do in the first minute after someone goes over the side.
Shout, point, throw
The first seconds decide the outcome.
- Shout "Man overboard!" so the whole crew reacts.
- Point at the person and never stop pointing - one crew member does nothing else.
- Throw flotation (horseshoe, danbuoy, anything that floats) immediately.
Mark and turn
- Press the MOB button on the chartplotter or note the GPS position.
- Start the recovery turn you have practised (a quick-stop or Williamson turn).
Approach and recover
- Come back on a slow, controlled approach from downwind.
- Stop the boat alongside the person - never put them near the propeller.
- Use a ladder, sling or halyard; a tired or cold person cannot climb.
Practise this with your crew on day one of every charter. Knowing the plan beats improvising.
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