Question 1

SUNBEAM was sailing along nicely when the person fell in. What should the skipper do with the boat now?

Accepted Answer

Turn the boat around as quickly as is safely possible and head back towards the person, while a crew member keeps pointing at them the whole time. Reduce sail or slow down as you get close, so the boat does not hit them Getting back to the person quickly matters, especially in cold water where someone can become too weak to help themselves within minutes. Slowing down on the final approach avoids the serious danger of hitting the person with the hull or propeller. Continuing in the original direction, or making the manoeuvre too complicated, wastes valuable time.

Question 2

A crew member leans too far over the rail to look at a passing dolphin and falls into the water. What is the very first thing to shout?

Accepted Answer

"MAN OVERBOARD!" loudly, so every single person on the boat knows immediately, and point at the person in the water without taking your eyes off them Shouting "Man overboard!" makes sure every crew member reacts immediately — seconds matter. Keeping your eyes on the person in the water (and pointing at them) is one of the most important things anyone can do, because a person's head is surprisingly hard to spot in waves once you look away, even for a few seconds.

Question 3

The person is in the water and conscious. What should be thrown to them straight away?

Accepted Answer

A lifebuoy (ring) or any other floating object kept near the cockpit — anything that floats helps them stay up and gives them something to hold onto while the boat turns around A lifebuoy or floating cushion gives the person something to hold immediately, which helps them stay calm and afloat while the boat comes back. Every boat should have something floating ready to throw within easy reach of the helm — not stowed away in a locker. A rope alone (without a float) is harder for a tired or shocked person to grab and hold.