12 EMERGENCIES MAN OVERBOARD (MOB)


Even in good conditions this is a very serious incident. In rough weather or at night it becomes very grave indeed. If it isn’t to become a tragedy, those left on board must act promptly and efficiently.


When you see him go With all the cockpit activity typical on an angling boat, it’s unlikely that someone should fall overboard unseen. So let’s assume that at least one other person saw him go. What then?


■ Alert all on board by shouting ‘man overboard’.


■ One person should be told to keep the MOB in sight at all times. He should point in his direction.


■ Throw a lifebuoy (preferably a danbuoy type with a whip mast, flag and light) or any other large buoyant object (perhaps a fender) overboard to mark the spot.


■ At slow speeds, the helmsman should turn towards the MOB to throw the stern and prop away from him. At higher speeds the MOB will be well astern before there is time to do this.


■ Make a slow turn to go back and recover the MOB. Fig 12:1


■ This is a MAYDAY situation, either by voice or DSC. Don’t hesitate. After a successful recovery you can cancel the alert.


In darkness or poor visibility


In these unenviable circumstances it may be impossible to keep the MOB in sight, so you must use a manoeuvre that should bring you back onto your own wake.


■ As soon as the MOB cry goes up, the helmsman should note the compass heading and, if the compass allows, the reciprocal course – that’s to say, the heading 180° to your original.


■ Then quickly alter course 60° either way. This gives you space to turn …


■ … by putting the helm hard over the other way until you come round to your reciprocal course, which you should continue down until you find your MOB.


■ Again, don’t forget the MAYDAY call. In such circumstances, it’s even more likely that you will need outside assistance.


86 Fig 12:2


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers

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