2.4 MAN OVERBOARD RECOVERY
Recover a man overboard before possible hypothermia or drowning.
Rescue is a combination of actions: reach the man overboard, establish a contact and bring him/her on board.
- Keep a visual contact with the man overboard.
- Slow down and go towards the man overboard. At night, direct the best light source available towards the man overboard.
- Launch the life belt into the sea, towards the man overboard, and fasten it to the yacht by means of a line. It shall be used as a further reference to the rescuers.
- When approaching the man overboard, stop the yacht or slow down.
- When you are near the man overboard, stop the engines with the gear engaged, in order to avoid that the propellers continue rotating.
Help the man overboard board the yacht.
NOTE
If the victim presents drowning symptoms, give specific assistance.
In case of serious danger, immediately make a distress call.