Call, point and keep eyes on the person in the water while you start recovery procedures immediately. Shout “Man overboard!” (or “MOB”) to alert everyone, assign a dedicated spotter whose sole job is to keep visual contact, throw a buoyant aid (lifebuoy, throwable float) to the casualty, and slow or stop the boat in a predictable way so you can effect a safe, controlled approach and recovery. Prepare a planned recovery method before you begin (Quick Stop/Anderson/Williamson or heave‑to depending on conditions and boat) and brief the crew on their roles — engine operator, helm, deck crew to recover the casualty, and medic/first aid lead.
Practical steps and sequence (advanced skipper focus)
- Immediate actions (first 30–60 seconds)
- Shout and point; assign a dedicated spotter and keep pointing to build shared situational awareness.
- Throw an immediate flotation aid and an extended line if available (lightweight rescue sling, throwable cushion). Attach a clip or pry-off if you carry an MOB pole or recovery sling.
- Hit MOB on your chartplotter/VHF if fitted — that creates an electronic mark for navigation and rescue coordination.
- Stabilise the boat and prepare for recovery
- Reduce speed to steerable control; stop or heave‑to if that is safest for your boat and sea state. On a small sailboat with an auxiliary engine, be ready to use the engine for final positioning rather than relying on sails alone.
- Reef or drop sails as needed to avoid accidental sail drive over the casualty; avoid uncontrolled gybes or jibes.
- Rig a recovery area: set up a lee (downwind) side if possible, ready a recovery sling, strong halyard or jackline, boarding ladder or scoop, and clear the deck approach.
- Select and execute the recovery manoeuvre
- Choose the manoeuvre that suits your boat, wind and sea: an Anderson/Quick Stop‑style turn for tight control, a Williamson turn for longer courses or if the casualty’s position is uncertain, or heave‑to and approach under minimal power if conditions permit.
- Approach from downwind/leeward so the person floats against the hull rather than being blown away; keep the engine in forward/neutral control and be prepared to kill propeller when close to avoid injury.
- Use a retrieval sling or net and have two deck crew: one managing the casualty, one tending the lines and stable handholds.
- After recovery
- Get the person clear of the water as quickly and safely as practical, keeping their airway and spine protection in mind if injury suspected.
- Treat for shock and hypothermia; have blankets, dry clothing and a plan to warm them. Prepare to call for external assistance if needed.
Why this matters (advanced explanation)
Keeping the casualty in sight and assigning a spotter prevents losing them in waves or glare — the single biggest error in MOBs. A controlled approach with sails managed and engine readiness reduces the risk of propeller injury and uncontrolled drift. Practised, simple roles reduce cognitive load during the event; advanced crews still fail because they haven’t rehearsed the small, critical tasks (throwable placement, who holds the bow, who kills the engine).
Important factors that change your choice of technique
- Boat configuration and size (keel shape, transom, boarding ladder availability)
- Wind strength/direction and sea state (breaking waves, swell) — heavy seas favour heave‑to and short approaches, calm conditions allow more precise turn recoveries
- Crew experience and numbers — with a small crew, choose the simplest, safest recovery that keeps one person on the helm and one as spotter
- Casualty condition (conscious/unconscious, injured, entangled) — unconscious or injured people require different lifting techniques and immediate medical assessment
- Darkness or limited visibility — use strong lights, strobes, and electronic MOB marks; be conservative and call for external help sooner
Common mistakes advanced sailors still make
- Losing visual contact by reallocating the spotter to other tasks too early
- Approaching from windward or upwind and fighting wind drift into the casualty
- Allowing an uncontrolled sail configuration to jibe or overpower the boat during manoeuvre
- Not preparing a simple, practiced retrieval system (sling/ladder/line) before the approach
- Relying solely on the engine without thinking about propeller hazards when close to the person in the water
One realistic next step for your crew
Run a timed MOB drill in conditions you commonly sail in: simulate a MOB, perform the shout/spot/throw sequence, mark the MOB on your electronics, choose and execute a recovery manoeuvre and perform a dummy haul‑on. Debrief immediately and note improvements to kit stowage, crew roles and communications. Repeat until each crew member can perform their role confidently under pressure.
If you need specific local guidance (harbour rules, compulsory equipment or rescue contact procedures) check your state or local maritime authority and your rescue service guidance before heading out — those details vary by location and are not covered here.