What is the recommended immediate MOB procedure on most small boats?

What is the recommended immediate MOB procedure on most small boats?

• A. Shout 'MOB', throw a flotation device, keep the person in sight, stop or slow the boat, and begin recovery using a controlled maneuver (e.g., Williamson turn).
• B. Immediately circle the MOB at high speed.
• C. Ignore and continue current course.
• D. Call a tow service and stay on course.

Answer: (A)

When someone goes overboard, the first actions are all about rapid alert, buoyancy, and keeping the person in view so you can recover safely. Start by shouting that a person is in the water and identifying who it is, so everyone on board knows there’s an MOB situation and can help. Immediately throw a flotation device to the person to keep them afloat and reduce the risk of hypothermia or exhaustion, then keep visual contact on them at all times so you don’t lose track in waves or current. Next, slow the boat or bring it to a stop. This prevents drifting away from the person and reduces the risk of propeller injury or collision as you maneuver. The recovery itself should be carried out with a controlled maneuver, such as a Williamson turn, which is designed to bring the boat back to the MOB in a predictable, safe path. This approach lets you approach from the appropriate side and position the boat for a safe pickup, avoiding hasty, dangerous maneuvers. Circling at high speed can push the person away and create propeller or wake hazards. Ignoring the situation and continuing on course wastes valuable time, and waiting for a tow service defeats the purpose of an immediate rescue.

When someone goes overboard, the first actions are all about rapid alert, buoyancy, and keeping the person in view so you can recover safely. Start by shouting that a person is in the water and identifying who it is, so everyone on board knows there’s an MOB situation and can help. Immediately throw a flotation device to the person to keep them afloat and reduce the risk of hypothermia or exhaustion, then keep visual contact on them at all times so you don’t lose track in waves or current.

Next, slow the boat or bring it to a stop. This prevents drifting away from the person and reduces the risk of propeller injury or collision as you maneuver. The recovery itself should be carried out with a controlled maneuver, such as a Williamson turn, which is designed to bring the boat back to the MOB in a predictable, safe path. This approach lets you approach from the appropriate side and position the boat for a safe pickup, avoiding hasty, dangerous maneuvers.

Circling at high speed can push the person away and create propeller or wake hazards. Ignoring the situation and continuing on course wastes valuable time, and waiting for a tow service defeats the purpose of an immediate rescue.