In the unfortunate event of a "Man Overboard" (MOB) situation, rapid response and precise coordination are critical to ensure the casualty’s safety. Below are essential steps and procedures to manage such an emergency effectively, combining best practices and mandatory actions for ship and crew:
The top priority in an MOB situation is to immediately locate the individual in the water and maintain constant visual contact. Every available crew member, including the pilot on board, must focus their attention on tracking the casualty’s location to ensure they remain within sight.
As soon as the incident is noted, it is essential to inform local coastguard, port authorities, and nearby vessels. However, communications should be concise and limited to essential information to avoid delays. Rapid sighting and recovery of the casualty must remain the primary focus over extended conversation.
Once the casualty is located, the pilot boat or rescue vessel should maneuver into position. The retrieval equipment should be prepared promptly, with deployment following established protocols that align with the boat's available resources and current weather conditions.
Recovery should be executed based on the crew’s practiced MOB drills, adapting the method to the equipment on board and the prevailing sea and weather conditions. Consistent drills ensure that the recovery process is familiar to all crew members, reducing reaction time during an actual emergency.
After the recovery, a thorough report detailing the incident must be compiled and submitted to the relevant Port Authority. This documentation ensures accountability and provides valuable insights for future safety improvements.
Following a structured checklist ensures that all essential steps are covered during an MOB incident. This includes both immediate actions and ongoing support:
Release MOB Buoy: Immediately deploy the MOB buoy to mark the position and aid in locating the casualty.
Activate GNSS MOB Marker: Record the casualty’s position via the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and mark the MOB position on the ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System).
Sound Alarm and Notify Engine Room: Activate the alarm and inform the engine room to set engines on standby.
Assign Lookouts: Post lookouts to monitor the casualty and assist in maintaining visual contact.
Execute Williamson Turn: Conduct a Williamson Turn or other maneuver to quickly return to the MOB position.
Broadcast MOB Warning and DISTRESS Message (if necessary): Announce the MOB incident to the crew and issue a DISTRESS broadcast as appropriate.
Preserve VDR or S-VDR Records: Ensure Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) or Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) records are preserved if not automatically secured.
Deploy Rescue Boat: Launch a rescue or fast rescue boat to retrieve the casualty from the water.
Report Casualty Status and Provide Support: Monitor and support the casualty as necessary, with immediate medical assistance provided if required.
Engage Hand Steering and Post Extra Lookouts: Switch to manual steering for precise control, and assign additional lookouts as necessary.
Hoist Flag OSCAR: Display the OSCAR flag to signal that the ship is engaged in an MOB operation.
Log All Events and Decisions: Maintain a detailed record of all actions taken, decisions made, and communications sent.
By following these procedures and checklist items, the crew can respond swiftly and effectively to a man-overboard situation, increasing the likelihood of a successful rescue and ensuring adherence to maritime safety protocols.
