11.7.1 Recovery of man overboard

▪If possible, form a group with

▪Deploy a lifebuoy, throw bag,

other survivors to increase visibility for rescuers.

rescue quoit, etc.

▪Appoint a crewmember to

▪Activate the PFD/lifejacket light

maintain visual contact with the individual in the water at all times regardless of the boat’s manoeuvres.

and use the whistle attached to attract attention.

11.7 Man overboard and recovery procedures 11.7.1 Recovery of man overboard

▪Depending on the type of craft,

exercise the required manoeuvre as described in the following section.

The loss of a person overboard presents a serious challenge to those remaining on board who have to safely position the vessel adjacent to the individual in the water and recover the person back on board. Vessels should have a suitable means of re-boarding fitted such as a boarding ladder.

▪Issue MAYDAY and call the Coast

Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Position the person adjacent to the boat and, if the person is physically capable, re-board by means of a suitable boarding ladder or swimming platform.

The situation can be even more traumatic if the skipper is lost and an inexperienced crew are on board.

On losing a crew member overboard, other crew should undertake the following actions:

Figure from page 183

For an exhausted or injured crewmember, external means of recovery will be required, such as:

▪Dedicated recovery sling under

the arms of the individual, using halyards/winches, boom, etc. to provide leverage.

▪Use of victim’s safety harness or

PFD/lifejacket fitted with integral harness.

On boats with outboard engines, the engine may be used as an impromptu ladder to re-board, provided the engine is shut down.

▪Use of a sail deployed over the

side as a scoop and recovered using the boats running rigging.

Emergency Procedures

▪Use of an inflatable tender,

partially deflated to recover the individual from the sea.

Falling into cold water will result in a gasp reflex causing uncontrolled breathing, panic and cardiac stress. A lifejacket will keep your head above water, ensuring you breathe in air.

▪Launch the liferaft and have the

victim recovered into it.

▪On Inflatables, one tube may be

partially deflated to aid recovery of an injured or unconscious person.

Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia affecting persons who have been immersed in the sea for a period of time. Ensure the casualty is kept dry and warm. Alcohol should not be given to the person. Note the advice in section 11.6.1 of this Code.

Many boats are equipped with a bathing platform at the stern which facilitates recovery of persons from the water.

Emergency Procedures