Man overboard drill — when did you last practise?

Seamanship & Safety
1

This is something I feel strongly about. When was the last time you actually practised a man overboard recovery?

I run MOB drills on every charter handover and honestly, even experienced sailors struggle with it. The theory is one thing but actually getting a person (or a fender with a bucket on it) back alongside and aboard is a whole different challenge.

Here’s what I’ve found works best:

  1. Shout, point, press the MOB button — get someone dedicated to just pointing at the person in the water
  2. Crash stop first — heave to or simply round up and drop sails if shorthanded
  3. Engine approach on the leeward side — always approach from downwind so the boat drifts towards the casualty, not over them
  4. Recovery plan — this is the hardest part. A lifting sling or a swim ladder with a dedicated helper is essential. Pulling a fully clothed, exhausted person out of the water is incredibly difficult

How do you practise? Any tips?

2

I’ll be honest — I don’t practise often enough. This is a good reminder. One thing I’ve added to my boat is a Jonbuoy — the self-inflating horseshoe system. Not cheap but it gives me peace of mind, especially when sailing with family.

3

The recovery is definitely the hardest part. I’ve installed a Markus rescue net on my pushpit — it’s a mesh scoop that folds down into the water. Makes it much easier to get someone aboard, especially singlehanding. Worth looking into for anyone who sails short-handed.

4

We’d be up for that! We did a basic safety briefing on our Competent Crew but more practice would be hugely valuable. Count us in.

5

Excellent points Katrin. I’d add that in a real MOB situation, keeping sight of the person is by far the biggest challenge. In any kind of sea state, a head in the water disappears behind every wave. The dedicated pointer is absolutely critical.

I practise every couple of months using a weighted fender. It’s humbling how difficult the pick-up can be, even after years of sailing.

6

We did one MOB drill during my Day Skipper and honestly I was terrible at it. The approach is the bit I find hardest — judging the drift and the speed. I’d love to practise more but I don’t have my own boat yet. Would anyone be up for organising a practice session?

7

I love this idea Sophie. Why don’t we organise a safety day? MOB drills, fire extinguisher familiarisation, flare demo. I could host it on one of the charter boats. Interested?