Man Overboard (MOB) Procedures

This page is provided by the Cold Lake Sailing Club and is solely for information, the Club is not responsible for accuracy.

1) Initial Reaction

a. Shout: “MAN OVERBOARD!!!”
b. Nearest person THROW: PFD, Life Ring, other buoyant item to the person in the water
c. Assign a “spotter” to keep eyes on the MOB and POINT.

2) Maneuvering- “Figure Eight”

a. Helmsman steer a beam reach
b. Give order to prepare to come about
c. Come about- do not trim jib
d. Bear away
e. Head up to close reach
f. Control speed by luffing the mainsail
g. Stop boat a few feet to windward of MOB

3) Crew actions

a. Prepare a heaving line
b. Boarding Ladder??
c. Blankets, Jackets
d. First aid kit?
e. Boathook
f. Spotter NEVER take eyes off MOB, always POINT, give verbal updates on location

4) Alongside/On board

a. Throw heaving line to MOB; secure to boat
b. Assess first aid needs
c. Help/Haul person aboard
d. Treat for hypothermia

5) Other considerations:

a. Start Engine
b. Call for assistance on the radio
c. “Quick-stop” method (MOB can swim)
d. Other boat traffic

Reference:

Transport Canada - Design, Equipment & Boating Safety