Man Overboard (MOB)
When a person falls overboard, it's important to know how to respond. Man overboard drills should be conducted. Keep in mind the following techniques and recommendations:
Man Overboard Prevention and Recovery - NIOSH
- On witnessing a person falling overboard or already in the water, employees should immediately give the call "Man Overboard" by voice or PA system.
- It is important not to lose sight of the person in the water. Directing someone else to make the announcement over the PA system may allow workers to keep the person in sight. This is important, as it is often very difficult to relocate a person overboard.
- Get help before trying any rescue attempt.
- Throw the nearest ring buoy to the individual in the water.
- Repeat the announcement over the PA system several times. If the location of where the person went overboard is known, include that information in the announcement.
- Platform workers should notify the standby boat to commence the rescue operation.
- Throwing floating objects overboard every few minutes will give rescue boats or aircraft a "line of drift" leading to the person overboard.
- Gather the rescue team at the nearest lifeboat, capsule, or rescue craft and start the rescue as soon as possible.
- Maintain continual communications between the rescue craft and the platform and/or standby vessel.
- Personnel on the facility should be prepared to treat the person, upon retrieval, for hypothermia and any injuries sustained.
- To make sure proficiency in retrieving a person overboard is maintained, hold man overboard drills at least every 3 months, weather permitting.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-10. What should you do to make sure you don't lose sight of a person who falls overboard?
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