If a person falls overboard whilst the vessel is under way, the following procedure should be carried out:
- A lifebuoy fitted with a self-acting light/smoke generator should be launched over the same side as the person fell.
Lifebuoy with attachment.
Automatic smoke/light generator.
- The helm must be put hard over to the side the man fell.
- Flag OSCAR must be hoisted during the day if in the company of other vessels.
Flag Oscar.
- Three prolonged blasts should be sounded on the ship’s siren, if in company with other vessels.
- As many persons as possible should be instructed to keep the life buoy in sight.
- Releasing a second lifebuoy to provide a transit is also good practice.
- Mark the position on the chart or write down the GPS position.
- The captain must be informed.
- Broadcast on the vessels PA system that we have a man overboard.
- Instruct the bosun to prepare the sea boat for launching.
Example of small rescue craft(sea boat).
- After turning through 60° at full helm, midships the wheel and turn hard to the otherside. When reaching the reciprocal of the initial course steer down your initial track (Williamson turn).
- Speed should also be reduced after completion of the turn in preparation for stopping and recovering the person.
- The ship should be stopped to windward of the person and allowed to drift down to him/her. Remember that the vessel has a much larger surface (ship’s side) and the wind will have a far greater influence.