What are the steps of a standard man overboard recovery?

What are the steps of a standard man overboard recovery?

• A. Throw a flotation device and immediately approach without shouting.
• B. Shout, throw a flotation device, and then approach the person if safe; keep the person in sight.
• C. Start the engine and circle back.
• D. Jump into the water to rescue.

Answer: (B)

When someone goes overboard, the priority is to get them buoyant and keep them in view so you can coordinate a safe return. Start by shouting a clear alert like “Man overboard!” and point to the person to fix everyone's attention on their location. Then throw a flotation device immediately so they have buoyancy and something to hold onto while you plan the rescue. After you’ve alerted others and provided flotation, approach only if it’s safe to do so, and keep the person in sight the whole time. Keeping them in view helps you steer a precise, controlled return and prevents you from losing contact in waves or wake. The sequence of signal, throw, and then approach—with ongoing sight of the person—is the practical, safest approach to a man overboard recovery.

When someone goes overboard, the priority is to get them buoyant and keep them in view so you can coordinate a safe return. Start by shouting a clear alert like “Man overboard!” and point to the person to fix everyone's attention on their location. Then throw a flotation device immediately so they have buoyancy and something to hold onto while you plan the rescue. After you’ve alerted others and provided flotation, approach only if it’s safe to do so, and keep the person in sight the whole time. Keeping them in view helps you steer a precise, controlled return and prevents you from losing contact in waves or wake. The sequence of signal, throw, and then approach—with ongoing sight of the person—is the practical, safest approach to a man overboard recovery.