Sailing know-how / Seamanship / Man overboard
Man overboard
A person in the water is the most serious emergency on board. Best of all, it never happens. If it does, every second counts and every move must be practised.
Prevention
- Wear lifejackets at night, from force 4 and always if you can't swim.
- In a seaway clip on to the jackstay with a harness and tether.
- "One hand for the boat, one hand for yourself": always hold on when moving on deck.
- Never relieve yourself over the guardrail. It sounds trivial but it is one of the most common causes.
The first seconds
- Shout loudly: "Man overboard!"
- Throw a lifebuoy, horseshoe buoy or dan buoy immediately.
- One person keeps pointing at the person in the water and never looks away.
- Press the MOB button on the plotter.
The manoeuvre
For crews without much practice the quick-stop works well: tack immediately, leave the headsail backed, bear away with the main and come back to the person in a tight circle. The boat stays close to the person throughout.
Under engine: drop or flog the sails and get lines out of the water so nothing fouls the propeller. Take the engine out of gear for the last metres.
Recovery
Bring the person aboard on the leeward side, where the boat is lower and gives shelter from the waves. Aids: the bathing ladder at the stern, a Lifesling or the main halyard with a loop. Afterwards keep them warm, and call for help immediately in case of hypothermia or unconsciousness.