Person Overboard

What would YOU do?

A person has fallen overboard, what do you do? Scream! Shout! Panic….. NO!

There is very little chance of survival with this approach, let us take a closer look in this newsletter on what YOU should do if someone falls overboard.

FIRST AND FOREMOST – WHAT IS YOUR PROCEDURE IN YOUR SMS MANUAL?

Your SMS Manual is required to have a procedure for the vessel’s crew to follow very carefully in the event of a person overboard situation.  Every situation is different, so even if you have worked at sea for many years, it is still required that you read and know exactly what to do. 

You should sign a legal document confirming that you have read and understood the procedures in the SMS for the vessel so if an incident does occur, you may be required present your actions, and sometimes in court!

What to do

If someone falls overboard, try not to panic. Do not jump in after them – this puts you both at risk of drowning.

In the event someone falls overboard

If someone falls overboard:

• Raise the alarm by yelling “man overboard” or “person overboard”
• Throw the person a lifebuoy (with a light at night) or marker immediately – if you lose sight of them this will help you find them.
• Mark the position on your plotter and slow down immediately.
• Warn approaching vessels.
• Turn the vessel and move towards the person from downwind or against the current.
• Instruct the witness to keep the person in sight and continue to point to them while you manoeuvre to pick them up, taking care not to collide with them.
• Tell other crew to prepare to retrieve the person and keep a lookout.
• When abeam of the person disengage the gearbox and throw a lifebuoy with a lanyard attached to assist in retrieving the person.

Reduce the risk

• Have a person-overboard drill and practise it regularly and in all conditions.
• Wear a lifejacket. It can save your life if you fall overboard or end up in the water because of collision, capsizing or swamping.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• For vessels that serve alcohol, it’s recommended that all passengers stay under the alcohol legal limit. They’re more at risk of falling overboard if they’ve been drinking alcohol. They may also need to take action in the event of a marine incident.

Having someone fall overboard is very dramatic and frightening for all involved.  It can make the entire situation a lot easier if you are prepared and understand how to help someone in the water.

Remaining calm and composed is critical to saving their life, and it is vital that you know the procedure when someone falls in. 

Shorlink’s Recommendation

Ensure you have good quality lifebuoy and dedicated floating device/light which are stored safely and quickly accessible. 

Review your SMS procedures, and ensure your Person Overboard procedure is accurate, and ALL crew have read and signed off on the SMS.

Tip

TRAINING! Ensure your crew are highly proficient in what to do if a person falls overboard.  This is serious and can save a life.

Shorlink conducts very thorough emergency safety training onboard your vessel to ensure each crew member is proficient in not only the procedure, but also the vessel equipment locations and what is expected.  They also will sign a form at the end of the session which covers you legally should an incident occur.

Please contact our office should you have any questions regarding the procedure, training or you are concerned about your vessel or crews’ ability to deal with onboard emergencies.