User:Jganz/MOB

Man Over Board Procedures

When sailing while a man overboard event need not indicate rough waters, but it usually does, and in such conditions the difference in drift between the unfortunate unwilling swimmer and a small boat (with it's high exposed surfaces) can be extreme. Adding in the effect of currents, and the limited maneuvering ability of sail-powered vessels, and the safety of the swimmer is jeapordized by any unnecessary delay, or indeed, the loss of sight of the swimmer, which may result in the rescuers passing by and leaving the swimmer to an unkind fate. It follows that the paramount action one takes is to keep the swimmer in sight. Other emergency actions designed to minimize the distance the boat procedes from the swimmer and minimize her exposure to cruel cold waters have been developed and taught widely over the years. These techniques are the topics in this sub-article.

Figure Eight MOB procedure

Step 1. Yell man overboard!

Step 2. Point at the person in the water!

Step 3. Throw things that float! (Hopefully a MOB kit containing a 'flag bouy', sea-water activated blinking strobe light, a dye-pack, and floatation device, all tied by a long floating rope)

Step 4. Go on a momentary beam reach (perpendicular to the wind) to build enough speed to tack.

Step 5. Tack the boat through the wind.

Step 6. Go on a broad reach (almost a run).

Step 7. Come up to the person in the water on a close reach.

Step 8. Stop the boat!

Finally, attach the person to the boat, then drop your sails and use the halyards, boom, and/or winches to get the person back in the boat.