Man Overboard

Prevention | Spotting | Recovery | Training

Crew overboard situations don’t just happen in bad weather—they often occur in daylight, calm seas, and under power. These incidents may end safely, but they’re a clear reminder that it can happen to anyone.

Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) research indicates that in cold water, crews may have less than 11 minutes to recover a person before they become unresponsive—sometimes as little as four or five minutes.

Practising as a team, using the actual equipment on board, dramatically improves the chances of a successful recovery.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents at the MAIB, Andrew Moll OBE, advised: “All skippers should consider how they and their crew will recover an unconscious person from the water in a timely manner and ensure they and their crew practise thoroughly for such an event.”

This video focuses on prevention, offering spotting tips for those on deck, and exploring how technology can support—but not replace—human awareness.

We also highlight key considerations when planning a recovery—especially if the person overboard is unable to assist—and how sea state and vessel type affect the response. Finally, we bring it all together with guidance on meaningful practice to help prepare crews for real-world situations.

Watch the video podcast below.

Don't miss:

2:48 - Relevant and engaging safety briefings
7:44 - Spotting tips if someone is overboard
11:04 - Recovery if the casualty are able to or unable to assist
15:40 - How to set up meaningful training on your boat, with your crew

Acronyms used in the video:

AIS - Automatic Identification System
AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority
DSC - Digital Selective Calling
EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating
GPS - Global Positioning System
MAIB - Marine Accident Investigation Branch
MOB - Man Overboard / Crew Overboard
PLB - Personal Locator Beacon
VHF - Very High Frequency - A Marine Radio that can be equiped with DSC

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