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A guide to Safe Yachting: What to do when a passenger goes overboard.

And I don't mean when the cook's had one too many Mai-tai's, either.

We all know how much fun Yachting can be, especially with some good friends along. But the world of pleasure boating all to often turns deadly when a crew fails to put in place a well-rehearsed plan of action for a man-overboard (MOB) situation. If you are the Captain or the owner of the yacht that said crew is responsible for, the repercussions for you can be devastating. In the crazy, lawsuit friendly world we live in, a mishandled fall from the deck of your yacht can be ruinous for your finances as well as your conscience.

Here are a few steps to take in order to ensure that you, your crew, and all your passengers are safe, happy, and prepared.

1. Prevention. This may seem more than a little patronizing, but make sure that all your stanchions are securely bolted in place, and that all of your hand rails are secure and tight. Performing this simple check not only can save you the hassle and possible tragedy of an MOB situation, but it also leads to a better looking boat.
2. Have retrieval equipment on deck and within easy reach. Again, this one sounds almost stupid, but having at least one life ring (or other throwable, preferably tethered flotation device) on deck is just common sense. Along with that, you need to keep a gaffers pole (NOT a fishing gaff) and a swim ladder within easy access. Be sure that every crew member and passenger knows where these items are. A more overlooked, but incredibly useful piece of retrieval gear is a good pair of binoculars. Keep them close!

So now you've done your best to prevent an MOB situation in the first place. But you're not done yet. You and your crew still need to know how to handle an emergency MOB situation quickly and calmly.
1. Splash! The sound of a body going in the water is a distinctive one. Anyone who hears that sound will instinctively look for the source of it. Once you see the victim in the water, you need to call "Man Overboard!" as loud as you can. Everyone who hears this cry should also call it out as loud as they can. We want EVERYONE on board to know exactly what the problem is, and to get their eyes out and scanning as soon as possible. Do NOT take your eyes off the victim for even a fraction of a second. Keep pointing and informing everyone around you of where the victim is. It really only takes a second's lapse to lose your target, and possibly a life.
2. Maneuvering/

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