The First Seconds Are Critical

When someone goes overboard, the immediate response of the remaining crew determines how quickly and safely recovery happens. Cold water shock, current, and sea state can all make the situation deteriorate rapidly. Your first actions must be fast and automatic — which is exactly why drilling the maneuver before you need it is not optional.

Immediate Actions: The LOOK, SHOUT, THROW, GO Protocol

  1. SHOUT "Man Overboard!" — Immediately alert all crew. Someone must be designated to do nothing but keep eyes on the person in the water. Never take your eyes off them — in any sea state, a person in the water can vanish from sight in seconds.
  2. Press MOB on your GPS/chartplotter — This marks the position instantly. Do it even as you're shouting.
  3. THROW a lifering or horseshoe buoy — Ideally with a drogue attached to keep it near the person. Throw it even if they look fine — a rope or buoy near them is a lifeline.
  4. Assign roles — One person watches, one steers, others prepare for recovery.

Sailing Recovery Maneuvers

There are three widely taught sailing recovery methods. Which you use depends on your boat, sea state, and crew size:

1. The Figure-of-Eight / Broad Reach Method

This is widely considered the most reliable method for most conditions:

  1. Immediately bear away onto a beam reach for several boat lengths.
  2. Tack the boat.
  3. Sail a broad reach back toward the casualty.
  4. Head up into the wind to stop the boat alongside the person in the water, with them on the leeward side.

The advantage is that you approach on a close reach with good speed control, and you can abort and go around again if needed.

2. The Quick-Stop Method

  1. Immediately tack the boat without releasing sheets.
  2. Continue turning past head-to-wind, jibing if necessary.
  3. Circle back to the casualty on a close reach.

This keeps the boat close to the casualty throughout and is effective with small crews.

3. Under Engine

If conditions are difficult or crew is limited, starting the engine and dropping sails is often the most controllable option. However: always ensure the casualty is not in the water near the propeller before engaging the engine. Approach from downwind with the engine in neutral as you come alongside.

Getting the Person Back Aboard

Recovery can be physically challenging, especially if the person is exhausted, cold, or injured. Options include:

  • Swim ladder: Only useful if the person is conscious and physically capable.
  • Halyard and harness: A spare halyard used as a hoisting line is one of the most reliable methods. Have a loop or step the person can put a foot in.
  • Inflatable boarding ladder: Many offshore sailors carry one specifically for MOB recovery.
  • Jackline and block: Rig a line from the casualty to a winch for mechanical advantage.

Never jump in to assist unless you have a second fully briefed rescuer on deck — two people in the water doubles the problem.

Prevention: The Best MOB Strategy

Most MOB incidents are preventable:

  • Wear a harness tethered to jacklines whenever conditions deteriorate or at night — no exceptions.
  • Fit a personal AIS or PLB to each crew member's lifejacket.
  • Lifejackets should be worn proactively, not put on after the moment of crisis.
  • Brief all crew — including guests — on MOB procedures before leaving the dock.
  • Never urinate over the side or move about the deck without holding on in any kind of seaway.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Run a MOB drill using a fender or buoy as the "victim" on every sailing trip with a new crew. The first time you perform any maneuver under pressure should never be during a real emergency. Muscle memory and clear crew roles save lives.