Table of Contents Operation #8: Perform emergency procedures/maneuvers
#8.1 The operator is able to: A: Return to man overboard... B: within 10’ (3 m) and in less than one minute.
Understanding the Element
• This element refers to a situation in which a person has fallen out of a boat while the boat is underway. The boat may be the operator’s boat or another boat in the area.
• Falling overboard while underway accounts for a significant number of injuries and fatalities in recreational boating. It is typically an unexpected surprise. Returning to a man overboard (MOB) in a safe and timely manner plays an important role in likelihood of a MOB being rescued without injury. Often, the operator is maneuvering the boat close enough to the MOB to return in time to ensure a safe rescue. This skill is included to ensure the operator can implement such a maneuver.
• This element is focused on returning to the person in the water in a timely manner, defined in this element as “within 10’ in less than one minute.” This is intended to put the boat in proximity of the MOB to allow final close maneuvering for recovery. Actual retrieval of the MOB is a separate element.
Designing Instruction
• Risk to the MOB is directly related to maintaining a safe distance between the propulsion unit and the MOB as well as the length of time in the water.
• Practice this skill in varying conditions such as wind and surrounding objects.
• The initiating event in this maneuver is when someone spots the MOB, yells “Man overboard,” points to the person in the water and, unless otherwise directed, continues to point to the MOB until recovery occurs or is determined to be impossible. Several other procedural elements in a MOB drill include:
ჿ The operator saying aloud the boat’s present course (to facilitate determining a reciprocal course) and advising passengers that a turn is imminent.
ჿ Grabbing a throw ring or rescue bag (for heaving to the person in the water) equipped with a light (if at night), and throwing it as close as possible to the MOB.
ჿ The operator making a final approach to the MOB with control of the boat at the slowest speed possible heading into the wind or current
• Incorporate the concept of a scan pattern into instruction to allow the student to monitor the position of the MOB while maintaining adequate lookout.
• Checklists are useful.
• Take special precautions in the approach used when returning to a MOB who is physically challenged. For example, the distance the boat stops away from the MOB may need to be closer to allow for other forms of contact besides use of a boat hook or tossing a line.
• Use a mannequin or simulated MOB for teaching this skill.
Falling overboard is the first event in accidents that account for slightly over a quarter of all boating fatalities.
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 55 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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