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Yachting Safety: MAN OVERBOARD!
by Robert Strayton

Perhaps the scariest scenario for any yacht owner is a Man-Over-Board (MOB). We typically don't give it much thought, but when you really contemplate the MOB scenario, it is terrifying. The problems can compound quickly, and without good planning and preparation, a man overboard can far too easily become a tragedy.

It is easy to think, "Oh, I can simply stop the yacht and the man overboard can climb back aboard," but that is rarely the case. In this article we will examine the problems and look at the challenges of the MOB. We will also provide a game plan for MOB situations that include preparedness, drills and a step-by-step MOB checklist.

There are so many variables that go into MOB scenarios sea state, time of day, visibility, currents, shoals, distance from assistance, water temperature, flotation devices worn, or not worn by the victim, the victim's swimming ability, or incapacitation due to injury, even hull shape and freeboard effect MOB recovery plans that no one approach will work in every instance. There is simply no way I can provide answers to every circumstance in this article so think about all of the various scenarios, and your yacht's MOB strengths and liabilities and try to develop a plan for each. I will try to provide a basic framework for MOB situations and present a good starting point for your planning.

There are two primary MOB scenarios. Someone going overboard without being seen, and those who are seen. Regardless of the circumstances, a MOB requires immediate, well-planned and well-organized action. It is advisable to provide a briefing to every crewmember and guest that boards your vessel because each and every one of them will be instrumental in a safe and successful rescue. It is also helpful for everyone to know what to do, and what to expect, if they find themselves alone in the sea.

The problem of the unseen MOB is dramatic, and requires immediate Coast Guard assistance. You will almost always be the nearest search vessel, but your missing crewmember needs the Coat Guard's specialized and highly trained resources to save their life. As time and distance elapse, the search area expands rapidly and can quickly include hundreds, even thousands of square miles. You need assistance!

Perhaps the most valuable tool in any MOB scenario is a GPS/Chartplotter. Nearly every GPS, and even LORAN, has a "MOB" button. It is designed to instantly create a waypoint, and make that waypoint the current

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