Recovering a person who has fallen overboard from a small boat is challenging due to the vessel’s low freeboard and inherent instability. The immediate danger of cold water immersion and rapid exhaustion requires a swift, well-practiced response. Small craft are susceptible to capsizing or taking on water if the recovery is performed incorrectly. Success depends on quickly executing the correct sequence of actions, from safely approaching the victim to getting them back onboard.
Immediate Safety and Approach Protocol
The first reaction upon a person overboard (MOB) should be to immediately reduce speed and toss a flotation device, such as a life ring or buoyant cushion, toward the individual. This marks their position and provides extra buoyancy to help them conserve energy. Designate one crew member to maintain constant visual contact with the person, continuously pointing at them to prevent losing sight, particularly in rough water.
Maneuvering the boat for recovery requires careful consideration of the elements. Approach the person slowly, positioning the boat so the victim is on the downwind or down-current side. This creates a “lee side,” which shields the person from waves and allows the boat to drift slowly toward them in a controlled manner.
Once the boat is close, the engine must be placed in neutral and shut off completely before the victim is alongside. This prevents the propeller from causing injury as the person is brought closer to the hull. Use a boat hook or a reaching assist to establish contact, securing the person to the boat with a line attached to their personal flotation device or clothing.
Physical Recovery Techniques
Pulling an unresponsive or exhausted person out of the water and over the side of a small boat is deceptively difficult. An average adult’s body weight is significantly increased by water-saturated clothing and the “dead weight” factor, often making manual lifting impossible without mechanical advantage. The goal is to utilize the lowest point of freeboard to minimize the vertical lift required.
If the boat has a swim platform or a sturdy ladder, direct the conscious victim to use it, emphasizing a slow and steady ascent. For low-freeboard boats without a dedicated platform, the stern is typically the lowest point, and recovery over the transom is often the most practical option, provided the engine is secured. An effective technique for very low-sided craft, sometimes called the “roll-up” method, involves the rescuer lying flat on the deck. They use body weight and leverage, rather than pure strength, to guide the victim’s upper body onto the side of the boat.
Specialized recovery gear, such as a life sling, rescue net, or a hoisting system utilizing a winch or davit, is recommended. A rescue sling can be placed around the person’s torso and attached to a block and tackle or a winch point, allowing the boat’s rigging or hardware to distribute the load. Getting the victim’s torso onto the deck before attempting to lift the lower body significantly reduces the strain on the rescuer, transforming a vertical lift into a horizontal pull.
Addressing Special Circumstances
The condition of the person being rescued dictates modifications to the standard recovery technique. For victims suspected of having a spinal or neck injury, the priority is maintaining a horizontal, rigid position. Any bending or twisting of the spine must be avoided. This requires using a rigid surface, like a backboard or a flotation basket stretcher, to lift the person out of the water while minimizing movement.
A person suffering from severe hypothermia requires careful handling to prevent “rescue collapse,” or circum-rescue collapse, which can lead to cardiac arrest. This is caused by the sudden drop in blood pressure when cold, constricted blood from the limbs rapidly returns to the core, often triggered by vertical lifting or sudden exertion. Hypothermic victims should never be allowed to climb a ladder or exert themselves. They must be recovered in a horizontal or near-horizontal position, such as using a recovery cradle or scoop, to keep blood pressure stable.
When the victim is heavy or unresponsive, the mechanical challenge is compounded, demanding the use of powered hoisting equipment or the collective effort of multiple crew members. Using a wide recovery net or a specialized cradle that supports the person’s entire body horizontally is the safest option. The goal is a controlled, full-body lift that avoids putting pressure on the victim’s core or limbs.
Post-Rescue Procedures
Once the individual is safely aboard, immediate medical stabilization is the priority. Quickly assess their level of consciousness, breathing, and circulation, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. Contact emergency services without delay, typically via VHF radio (Channel 16) or cell phone, to relay the situation and a precise location.
The victim must be treated for shock and exposure, which involves carefully removing all wet clothing to stop evaporative cooling. Replace the wet items with dry blankets, towels, or sleeping bags, concentrating warmth on core areas like the head, neck, chest, and groin. Avoid rubbing the victim or applying direct heat to the arms and legs. This can cause “afterdrop,” where cold blood rushes back to the core and dangerously lowers the internal body temperature.
Prepare for the arrival of professional medical help by gathering relevant information, such as the estimated time in the water and the person’s current condition. Continue to monitor the person’s vital signs and maintain verbal reassurance to manage panic and stress. Staying on the radio until rescue services confirm receipt of the information and provide instructions is necessary.