MAN OVERBOARD PROCEDURE
BACKGROUND
Man overboard (MOB) situations can occur at any time and requires the involvement of the full ships company. Therefore all the ships company must be conversant with the actions to take. MGN 71(M)Muster, drill, onboard training and decision support system requires “As far as is reasonably practicable rescue boats where carried other than those which are also lifeboats must be launched each month with their rescue boat crews and manoeuvred in the water. The interval between such drills shall not exceed 3 months…..where possible such drills should include the recovery of an object simulating a person in the water.” If a fast rescue craft (FRC) is carried then MGN 71 increases the drill frequency to once per month.
In the event of a MOB all spare personnel without dedicated duties should attend the main deck to act as a lookout pointing directly at the person until a full recovery is made. Other personnel will have additional duties which take priority, such as all deck officers and bridge lookouts reporting to the bridge and a rescue boat team preparing/launching the fast rescue craft (FRC) or rescue boat. There are two main scenarios that may present themselves; a person falling overboard and the situation being immediately reported or a person falling overboard with a delay in the report. Each scenario will dictate a different response. The overall object however remains unchanged; this is the fast and safe recovery of the man overboard.
OOW INITIAL REACTIONS
The initial reactions of the officer of the watch to any man overboard situations are as follows:
-Release a lifebuoy and smoke signal on the side man overboard reported on.
-Manoeuvre as per recognised techniques and with due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. If the man has just fallen overboard then always place the helm hard over in the direction that he fell overboard. This helps prevent injury by clearing the stern away from them.
-Instruct a lookout to maintain a constant watch on/for the man overboard and point towards him when observed.
-As soon as possible appoint a helmsman and activate hand steering
-Hoist flag Oscar
-Complete SMS (Safety Management System)/ Bridge Procedures Guide Checklists
-Place MOB marker on ECDIS/GPS and other electronic navigation aids.
-Inform Captain of situation
-Liaise with the engine room, instruct stand by engines and ensure all engines are brought online
-Transmit VHF PAN PAN or MAYDAY DSC (on instructions of Master) and RT message on channel 16/DSC 70 to all vessels in the vicinity informing them of the situation. Request their assistance if appropriate/necessary.
-Make RCC (rescue coordination centre) aware if necessary
-Commence a detailed log of the emergency.
Clearly it is not possible for the OOW to simultaneously conduct all of these actions. Therefore they must be prioritised and delegated appropriately.
RECOGNISED RECOVERY TECHNIQUES
IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual) Volume III lists three primary techniques for the recovery of a man overboard. These are the Williamson Turn, The Anderson Turn/One Turn and finally the Scharnov Turn. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages which should be carefully considered before use.
Williamson Turn
Starting with the Williamson Turn this is suitable for an immediate action situation where the individual has just fallen over the side. You place the rudder hard over to the side of the MOB. After you have deviated from course by 60 degrees you place the rudder hard over to the opposite side and finally when you are 20 degrees short of the opposite course you put the rudder to the midship position.
The key positive features of this technique are as follows; it makes good the original track; works well in reduced visibility; it’s simple. On the negative side it takes the vessel further away from the MOB and it’s a slow procedure.
Anderson/One Turn
Again this is suitable for an immediate action situation, for this technique you place the rudder hard over to the side of the MOB and once you have deviated from your original course by 250 degrees you bring your rudder midship and perform a stopping manoeuvre.
On the positive side it’s the fast recovery method and it works well for ships with tight turning characteristics however it’s difficult to approach the MOB because you are not on a straight course.
Scharnov Turn 
This technique is not suitable for use in an immediate action situation where the individual has just fallen overboard. You place the rudder hard over and when you have deviated by 240 degrees from you original course you place the rudder hard over to the other side. When only 20 degrees from opposite course the rudder should be placed into the midship position.
