Question 1

It is 0200 hrs. You are alone on watch, Beaufort 5, 2m swell. You hear a splash and the tether clip sounds behind you. The skipper is no longer at the helm. What is your FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Shout "MAN OVERBOARD!", throw the horseshoe lifebuoy and danbuoy overboard immediately, and press the GPS MOB button The first 30 seconds are critical. Throw the lifebuoy to the casualty AND mark the position (GPS MOB) simultaneously. Then shout to wake the rest of the crew. In Force 5 at night you will lose a person in the water in under 60 seconds visually — equipment in the water first, radio later. The fatal error here is going below first.

Question 2

You have thrown the lifebuoy. You can just see the skipper's lifejacket light in the water. The danbuoy has not inflated. What do you do while manoeuvring?

Accepted Answer

Fix your eyes on the casualty's light and do NOT look away — point one arm at them continuously, even as you steer The pointer role is the single most important action after the initial response. Once you look away you will very likely lose the person in the dark and swell. The GPS MOB marks where they went in, NOT where the current has taken them. Visual contact takes absolute priority — even at the cost of sail trim.

Question 3

You are short-handed (now solo). Wind is Force 5, you are on a beam reach. Which MOB recovery manoeuvre is most appropriate for a solo sailor in these conditions?

Accepted Answer

Quick Stop: immediately tack (or gybe) and circle back, keeping the casualty in view — staying near the casualty is more important than a "perfect" manoeuvre Quick Stop keeps the boat near the casualty. In heavy weather, the Figure of Eight risks losing sight. Engine recovery (drop sails, motor back) is valid if the engine is reliable and ready to start. The worst outcome is increasing the distance from the casualty. Solo recovery is extremely difficult — call the Coastguard simultaneously, but do not stop the recovery attempt.