What are common signs that someone has fallen overboard?

• A. A missing person from deck, a splash or wake, immediate MOB procedures should be started.
• B. A calm sea and clear sky.
• C. A sudden engine noise.
• D. A wine bottle rolling.

Answer: (A)

Detecting a person overboard relies on noticing a missing person on deck along with water-related signs, and responding immediately. If someone disappears from the deck and you notice a splash or wake in the water, you know someone has entered the water and you must start immediate man overboard procedures. That combination of a missing person and a water sign signals a real emergency and prompts rapid action to locate and recover the person.

The other options don’t indicate someone has fallen overboard: a calm sea and clear sky don’t show any incident; a sudden engine noise could be unrelated; a wine bottle rolling isn’t linked to an overboard event.