Man Overboard

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 it can happen to anyone. Research from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) shows that in cold water, crews may have less than 11 minutes to recover a person before they become unresponsive, and sometimes only four or five. Practising as a team, using the actual equipment on board, dramatically improves the chance of a successful recovery. This episode explores how to prevent someone from falling overboard, how to support a human spotter, the role of technology, and how to adapt recovery plans based on the person’s condition, sea state, and vessel type, before wrapping up with practical ways to train effectively.