When someone falls overboard what action should a skipper take?

Answer 1

Full stop, get flotation to the person and assign a spotter

A2

Sound the alarm to summon all possible help.

If the person is still insight, relase a manoverboard lifebelt and smoke signal, turn one way round.

Spot the person in the water

Turn back on a reciprocal course.

If they are not insight, or unsure of when or where they fell, perform a 'Williamson turn' which will put the vessel straight back down your track.

Alert other vessels on CH16 with a 'Pan Pan' message.

Alert local coastguard if in coastal waters.

Recover a person from the water in a horizontal position, where possible, to avoid thermal shock.

Get them warm and summon medical help.