During a man overboard recovery, which equipment is used to haul the person aboard when safe?

• A. Ladder or boat hook
• B. Oar
• C. Anchor rope
• D. Life ring

Answer: (A)

In a man overboard recovery, the tool best suited to haul the person aboard when you’re ready is a boarding ladder or a boat hook. The ladder gives the person in the water a clear set of rungs or steps to climb up to the deck, or it can be used by rescuers to lift and guide them over the gunwale with steadiness. A boat hook can reach out to grab or hook onto clothing or a flotation device to pull the person closer and help drag them up onto the ladder or directly onto the deck. These tools are designed specifically to aid contact with the boat and provide a controlled, safer ascent.

Other items aren’t used for the lifting itself. An oar is for propulsion, not for bringing someone aboard. An anchor rope is for securing the boat or towing gear, not for lifting a person in the water. A life ring helps keep the person afloat but doesn’t provide a means to haul them aboard.