Being prepared for any problem or crisis when sailing involves three steps: considering “what to do if” it happens right now, having the right gear or equipment ready if needed, and having a plan in mind to avoid losing precious time to panicked thinking.
The most seamanlike sailors are always thinking about their sailboat in the present conditions and considering what crisis might suddenly occur, however unlikely. You may have only seconds to react. To be prepared in case someone should fall overboard off your boat, follow those three steps.
Possible Scenarios
- A crew or guest wearing a PFD suddenly falls over.
- A crew or guest not wearing a PFD (known swimming ability) suddenly falls over.
- A crew or guest not wearing a PFD (known not to be a swimmer) suddenly falls over.
- A crew or guest is struck in the head by the boom and is knocked overboard (possibly unconscious). It does happen.
Have the Gear Ready
- Ideally, with known nonswimmers, insist the person put on a PFD before heading out.
- A person-overboard system like the LifeSling is ideal, mounted in the cockpit and ready to throw.
- On a smaller boat a handheld throw bag may be appropriate - should be kept handy in the cockpit.
- A life ring, boat cushions, or other PFDs can be thrown in the water to help mark the spot and provide the victim with additional buoyancy.
- Most GPS units have a man-overboard (MOB) button for instant use to mark the spot; the unit should be turned on and easily accessible.
Have a Plan in Mind
Your choice of the appropriate action depends on many factors, including these:
- The water temperature.
- The victim’s ability to stay afloat until rescue.
- The time and distance required to turn the boat around and return to the spot.
- How many crew are present to help maneuver the boat and effect the rescue.
- Your training in person-overboard boat maneuverability (return and stop).
- How to get the person back onboard (swim ladder, hoist, etc.)
With all these factors involved, it’s not easy to quickly decide how to handle a person-overboard situation. What if it’s a small child – should you allow a parent to jump in the water to assist? A nonswimmer without a PFD? How quickly can you get back under sail? Would it be quicker to motor back – but with sails fluttering might the boat then be blown past the victim?
There is no easy answer, and no one answer that is right in all situations. That’s why it’s best to think through the “what if” possibilities in advance and be prepared to act instantly if it happens, rather than make a poor decision when panicked.
Another important benefit of learning to think in this way is that once you realize how difficult a crisis may become, you will take steps to prevent it. Children, guests, and nonswimmers should always wear a PFD. Thinking about “what if” the boom hits someone in the head will make you watchful for that and warn your guests. And if you realize you may have significant difficulty getting a person back aboard your boat, you’ll be motivated to get equipment like a LifeSling to help manage that problem.
It's also critical to know how to most efficiently turn the boat back and stop beside the person in the water to make a rescue. Read this article about the best man-overboard (MOB) techniques under sail.
