Man Overboard (MOB)
Many boaters may know how to rescue a crewmate who falls overboard, and some of us will practice these techniques prior to offshore sailing. But does our crewmate know what to do if the skipper is incapacitated or falls overboard? I recently saw a tweet from the Canadian Power Squadron. MAN OVERBOARD! Do you have a rescue plan ready? Annually review man overboard (MOB) procedures here…The link led to a Canadian Yachting Article that reviews a variety of techniques. This is a great article for all boaters: new and seasoned veterans. During a MOB event is NOT the time to try these for the first time. Please be boating safely.
Man Overboard (MOB)
Prevention is the best solution to avert man overboard (MOB) accidents before they happen. Take every precaution to avoid such a situation. A passenger or crew member can tumble overboard at any time and under any conditions. If someone must go on deck, in any but the calmest weather, wear a safety harness attached to a proper jack line or suitable strong point on the boat.
Always wear a PFD that has a highly visible colour. At night, the PFD should have a light attached, preferably a strobe, that automatically lights up when immersed in water.
Remember, PFDs (lifejackets) do not work if you are not wearing them, so we advise wearing them at all times while on deck or in an open boat while underway.
Rescue Drill, the Quick Stop Method Remember this sequence: Shout – Throw – Stop – Lookout – Return.
There are more tips and procedures that are well laid out in the article. This page is just a teaser. Please see the full article and Canadian Yachting in general for some great boating articles.
This article was published on Mar 10, 2022, and Edited by John Gullick, Manager of Government Programs, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. it is “partially” reproduced here with permission from Canadian Yachting. Ed. Note: please review this information (even if you think you know it!)
Most of this information is taken from the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS-ECP) BOATING 4 – Seamanship course which I have updated and edited. For more information about this and all the other CPS-ECP courses and seminars go to www.boatingcourses.ca and look under Courses and Seminars.
Stay boating wise, and boating safety.