How to React Against a Man Overboard

Imagine this: You are standing against the handrail holding a glass of your favorite drink. The sea looks calm, the breeze is absolutely refreshing and the drink is just perfect. This is the cruise trip you ever hoped for and even more. But then it happens. With the corner of your eye you see someone falling over the handrail and hit the waters in a matter of seconds. You can't be sure if anyone else saw it. Actually you can't be sure about anything, except one thing: That person's life is in your hands and what you do in the next few seconds will most likely determine if he/she lives or not.

The situation you are facing now is known as Man Overboard, and is one of the most underestimated and delicate safety issues anyone can face onboard not only a cruise ship, but on any vessel no matter how big or small it happens to be.

If you ever face a situation of his kind, the most important rule, the one that precedes all the others, is quite simple: Do Not Panic. It might sound absurd and impossible to achieve, but a few long breaths will definitely help.

 

So, that considered, we can start learning about the most important steps to take if you ever run across a man Overboard situation.

 

- Shout "Man Overboard!" and under no circumstances avert your eyes from the victim. The sea can be a tricky place oftentimes, and what usually is there one second, might not be there anymore the next one, so keep your eyes fixed on the victim while shouting and pointing with your finger to the place the victim is. This will draw the attention of any crewmembers or guests nearby and will give reassurance to the victim in case he/she can hear you.

- After more than one person has pinpointed the location of the victim, immediate flotation should be provided. For that, you or the closest person to a lifebuoy should throw it in the direction of the victim. If possible, more than one flotation device should be provided.

- Consider the sea and weather conditions, as well as the amount of people standing nearby. If the situation should present itself at night, look for any fluorescent object to throw at the victim to pinpoint his/her location. Thankfully, nowadays all vessels are required to carry fluorescent safety equipment (like lifebuoys and life vests) close at hand.

Lastly, a word of advice before we finish: Whether this is your first time on a vessel or you are a seasoned seaman, do always demand basic safety training before you start your trip. And after that, take a walk around the watercraft to familiarise yourself with the safety equipment and it's location on board. Not all the vessels have the same procedures or carry the same equipment, but with that knowledge and what you have learned here, you will have yourself (and who knows, maybe someone else) covered in case the worst happens.

 

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