12 EMERGENCIES Recovering the MOB


Many boats have their lowest freeboard aft so this is usually the easiest and safest place to get your MOB on board again. Don’t try and approach him by going astern – he could be injured by the prop. There are two recommended methods.


Upwind approach


This is the preferred technique in rougher conditions, since it allows you to meet the seas head-on and there’s little risk of the MOB being drawn under the boat (See Fig 12:4).


■ Make sure all fishing lines are out of the water. The MOB has had a tough enough time already without becoming someone’s catch.


■ Give yourself room to manoeuvre and approach slowly from downwind, using forward and neutral to adjust your speed.


■ When close enough, turn to one side so he is just off the bow, select neutral and either throw him a line or grab him. He may be both cold and exhausted so don’t expect him to fend for himself.


Beam on approach A good technique for calmer conditions


■ Motor to a position directly upwind of the MOB, keeping the wind on your beam.


Fig 12:4 First aid for the MOB


Get him out of his wet clothes and wrap him in coats or a blanket. If he’s alert a warm non- alcoholic drink will help him recover. But if you suspect he is suffering from hypothermia (symptoms: slurred speech, very pale skin, abnormally slow breathing and extreme lethargy) seek immediate medical advice via VHF. The first half hour after rescue is a critical period. The SAR (Search and Rescue) services may want to bring him ashore as quickly as possible.


■ Once in place, select neutral and drift down onto the MOB (See Fig 12:1). Once he’s alongside, switch off the engine.


Practise, practise, practise!


Don’t wait until you need them. Practise these techniques in advance, using a fender as a dummy casualty. And take the crew by surprise. A wise skipper will periodically spring a faked MOB on his crew when they least expect it.


88


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers

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