What is the correct action when you observe a man overboard?

• A. Ignore it and continue.
• B. Call the captain and wait for orders.
• C. Shout 'Man overboard,' maintain sight, throw a buoy, and execute MOB recovery maneuver.
• D. Sound the engines and proceed at full speed.

Answer: (C)

When someone goes overboard, the priority is to react quickly and clearly to bring the person back safely. The proper sequence is to shout “Man overboard” so everyone knows the situation, keep the person in sight at all times to guide the recovery, throw a flotation device or buoy to mark the position and aid the person, and then execute a MOB recovery maneuver to bring the vessel back to the person efficiently. This approach minimizes time in the water, maintains visual contact, provides flotation for the casualty, and uses a trained recovery pattern to avoid looping too far away or losing the person.

Ignoring it wastes crucial seconds. Waiting for orders from the captain delays the rescue. Going full speed can risk propeller injury, loss of control, or missing the person, which reduces the chance of a successful recovery.