Which action sequence is correct when a person falls overboard?

Which action sequence is correct when a person falls overboard?

• A. Alert crew, then attempt rescue by any means
• B. Notify the coast guard first
• C. Throw a life buoy, hail 'man overboard', and pass the word to the bridge
• D. Immediately jump into the water

Answer: (C)

When someone falls overboard, the immediate goal is to get flotation to the person, alert the crew, and bring the ship into a controlled recovery. The best sequence is to throw a lifebuoy (with line if available) toward the person so they have flotation and a reachable aid, while loudly declaring “Man overboard” to alert everyone and help pinpoint the location. At the same time, pass the information to the bridge so the vessel can be maneuvered safely and a coordinated recovery can be planned with the helm and rescue resources. This combination keeps the MOB afloat, preserves visibility of their position, and ensures the ship’s actions are coordinated rather than improvised. Jumping in the water or relying on “any means” risks the rescuer and the person overboard; and notifying the coast guard is important in offshore or extended emergencies, but the on-scene actions and bridge coordination come first to enable a proper rescue.

When someone falls overboard, the immediate goal is to get flotation to the person, alert the crew, and bring the ship into a controlled recovery. The best sequence is to throw a lifebuoy (with line if available) toward the person so they have flotation and a reachable aid, while loudly declaring “Man overboard” to alert everyone and help pinpoint the location. At the same time, pass the information to the bridge so the vessel can be maneuvered safely and a coordinated recovery can be planned with the helm and rescue resources.

This combination keeps the MOB afloat, preserves visibility of their position, and ensures the ship’s actions are coordinated rather than improvised. Jumping in the water or relying on “any means” risks the rescuer and the person overboard; and notifying the coast guard is important in offshore or extended emergencies, but the on-scene actions and bridge coordination come first to enable a proper rescue.