In rough seas, what is a safe MOB recovery approach?

• A. Keep casualty in sight, deploy a flotation aid or line, make a controlled approach downwind if possible, and bring them aboard with ladder or hook.
• B. Abandon ship and notify captain.
• C. Ignore casualty to avoid risk.
• D. Wait for rescue boat.

Answer: (A)

In rough seas, the priority is to recover the person overboard safely while keeping the vessel under control. The best approach is to keep the casualty in sight, throw or deploy a flotation aid or line to them, and make a controlled approach from the downwind side if possible, bringing them aboard with a ladder or hook. Keeping the person in view is crucial because you need to judge drift, timing, and when you can safely close the distance without losing contact. A flotation aid or line gives them buoyancy and something stable to grab onto, which helps prevent they from slipping away as you maneuver. Approaching from the downwind side minimizes waves and spray hitting you and the casualty, making the transfer safer and more controllable. Using a ladder or hook provides a secure, reachable means to bring them aboard without overreaching or risking a fall.

Abandoning ship and notifying the captain removes support for a rescue and endangers the casualty. Ignoring the casualty is obviously dangerous and unethical. Waiting for a rescue boat can waste precious time and increase the risk of hypothermia or exhaustion.