MOB Procedures.

Crew Overboard Procedures. (COB).
How would you react to a crew/family member suddenly falling overboard, even in good weather, let alone in heavy weather at night.The challenge of recovering a crew member overboard (COB) can be one of the most demanding examples of seamanship you're ever likely to be called upon to perform. Each year, some 60 Australians die in boating accidents. Most of these deaths are by drowning. Time is the critical factor, for victims don't stay afloat as long as you might think.

Have a COB Contingency Plan.
Sailing instructors and boating literature often tout quite different methods of COB recovery. If you have practised any of these methods and you are confident of success, stick with what you know. Many COB procedures fail however, because rescuers over estimate the ability of the victim to "self rescue". Hypothermia sets in very rapidly and even strong, fit swimmers quickly loose the ability to help rescuers. Sometimes just rounding up, if under sail and stopping the boat could allow the overboard crew member to swim back to the boat and be hoisted aboard in fair weather. It is more likely, however, that the victim and vessel would be some distance apart. Even at five knots of boat speed, he/she would be 25 metres from the boat in only 10 seconds. After a minute the casualty would be 150 metres away, and all but invisible. Studies have shown that once visual contact with the victim has been lost, the chances of finding that person are greatly reduced.

COB Procedure.

Whoever sees the incident shouts: "crew overboard" and maintains visual contact. Very important.
Somebody, usually the helmsperson, must ASSUME LEADERSHIP and direct the rescue. If under sail, start the motor.
Provide victim with floatation.
Log GPS position and time (most GPS have an emergency COB function).
Position and stop boat (drop sails) alongside COB.
Haul victim back aboard. Advise authorities asap if help is needed.

Combined sea trials by various authorities have shown that littering the water with quickly procurable buoyant objects (cockpit cushions, rolled life jackets, life-rings etc.), increases the chances of the victim reaching one of these flotation support devices and aids visual contact from the boat. It was determined that deployment of the standard crew overboard danbuoy took too long. The pole rig should be saved to "mark" the victim in case the initial recovery manoeuvre is unsuccessful.

Manoeuvring Techniques.
The Figure Eight manoeuvre is recommended by many. The boat is under control the entire time and does not jibe, but poses the risk of losing sight of COB, because the boat sails too far away.

The Quick Stop/ Lifesling manoeuvre places great value on staying near the victim. The procedure is to throw flotation and throwing line immediately, tack (allow the jib to back) and circle the victim, dragging the throwing line across him/her. Recovery is effected from the windward side. It has proven extremely successful in both real and test cases. It is the preferred rescue manoeuvre of the Australian Yachting Federation.

In each case, be careful to avoid injury from the propeller as you approach the casualty.

Summary.

Prevention is the key. If moving on deck in heavy weather, always use a life jacket/safety harness, or at least, some means of security.
Equip your vessel with waterproof torches, and lifejackets with whistles and strobe lights.
Keep a dedicated throwing line available and instruct all on board in emergency and rescue procedures prior to beginning the voyage.
A lifesling recovery device is the prefered type, being easier for the casualty to access.
A simply rigged boarding ladder and second throwing rope should be part of the vessel inventory.

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