Before you start
Gather the appropriate supplies and review the specific equipment manual.
- PFDs and tethers
- Crew briefing
- Recovery gear
Step-by-step instructions
Prevent the incident
Establish life-jacket, tether and jackline rules that fit the deck and forecast.
Assign lookout and helm roles
Agree on immediate verbal calls, pointing and MOB button use.
Practice in controlled conditions
Work through a boat-specific recovery drill with a floating practice target.
Plan the physical recovery
Identify lifting or boarding equipment usable with an exhausted or injured person.
Review communications
Prepare distress and urgency procedures and ensure crew can operate the radio.
Safety note
Never put a person in the water for an unsupervised drill. Recovery techniques must suit the boat, crew and conditions.
Key takeaway
Preventing a person from going overboard is far better than relying on recovery alone.
Keep this job on your maintenance schedule
Save the topic as a maintenance task, choose a due date or engine-hour target, and record future service. Free and stored on your device.
Add to my maintenance plannerThis guide is for general education. Follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions, current navigation guidance and applicable marine safety standards. When uncertain, use a qualified marine professional.