Mark Philips discusses the value of theory and initiative in the MOB scenario and gives some first hand advice on what you can do if ever you lose a man over the side.
During my time as a senior offshore training officer I have had the pleasure of attending numerous conferences and conventions associated with safety at sea and SAR procedures. I have listened to many fine speakers covering a wide range of subjects and whilst it's true nothing can replace the value of first hand experience, as these seminars prove, one can also learn much from the experience of others.

Though theory has its place it should of course always compliment good judgement and the ability to weigh up a situation in the light of the dictating circumstances. The ability to improvise if necessary should not be underestimated either. Looking back at the majority of high profile recorded emergency incidents over the last few years, the records show to a surprising degree, the value improvisation plays in averting or coping with disaster. 'Instinct' and spontaneous decision making saves lives too. You only have to listen to the survivors from the Piper Alpha disaster to know the value of these too factors.

I write and present training programmes as part of my living, I'm a theorist in other words, but I like to think of myself as a realist too. In all situations common sense should prevail. However, in these modern times, governing standards and legislation also effect their weighty influence upon the lives of those who put to sea. Of course you have to have a basis and an objective to work from and indeed this is all fine and dandy as long as red tape doesn't begin to obscure the practical issues of saving life at sea. I have trained over three thousand men in emergency response procedures over the years and in every instance where possible I have always sought to integrate a degree of reality into my presenta­tions.

When considering MOB tech­niques used for casualty recovery the potential list is vast hence it would simply not be feasible to detail them all in one such article. Allow me nonetheless to take you through a few useful pointers and practical reminders, some obvious some less so, that reflect an amalgam of theory and real life experience. Remember though, the sea will rarely provide you with a repeat of two identical sets of conditions. It's always changing and therefore no two situations are likely to be the same. That being the case, your re­sponses will of course have to adapt accordingly. In other words, there are few hard rules that must be followed in all circumstances - allow good judgement to assess and prevail.

Always go to sea prepared, in fact, it's good practice to expect and be ready for the worst. Consider what recovery equipment you carry - before an instance occurs, ie. boat hooks, Jason's Cradle, lifelines etc. Be an attentive Coxswain to the needs of your crew. Keep a good watch and check them frequently. Remember; it truly is good to talk if only for morale. Personal pocket flare packs for everyone aboard the boat are an excellent idea, so are - though to a more limited extent, the use of personal Locator Beacons. But, let's now move onto the matter of safe technique, with the following important considerations in mind:

• In a MOB recovery situation, allow a moment to assess what may be the best angle of
  approach in the light of the prevailing conditions – both wind and sea. Your decision
  will be crucial in determining success or failure.
• Does the design of the boat dictate the manner and type of approach you're going to make,
  (ie: consider the design and suitability of your boat's tubes for hauling someone up over he side.)
• What area on the boat is best suited to undertaking the recovery?
• At what speed and with how much power do you approach the casualty? In heavy
  weather this may be critical especially if you are having to negotiate breaking seas where
  your attention will be split between the safety of the vessel and the need to keep a
  constant visual on the casualty.

Further to matter of safe technique, the following list of power points is aimed to further help you respond to these and other related MOB issues effectively:

• Always brief your crew about seating and trim procedures prior to departure and ensure the helmsman wears the kill switch around his leg, never simply around his wrist.
• If someone falls into the water, turn the helm towards them and reduce your revs while warning the other passengers of your intentions. If making a rapid change of course with your passengers sat behind you on an inline jockey seat indicate change of direction with a clear hand movement.
• If possible, approach into the most dominant weather force to give you the advantage of a head to sea situation. This will also help you remain in control of your boat's position and ensure its movements are governed by the engine as opposed to the prevailing sea conditions.
• Never approach a person in the water at speed even though a RIB becomes more difficult to manoeuvre off the plane.
• Try and keep your wake to a minimum.
• Communicate with the person in the water and reassure at all times.
• Watch the swell and weather pattern constantly for it is in fact possible to slide down the face of a wave and actually land on top of the casualty due to bad wave judgement.
• If possible a fair length of run up helps you evaluate the task in hand although this is not always possible of course.
• You may find you have to keep the boat in gear to maintain a safe position. (This is one point that a lot of people can not accept but I am afraid it is necessary sometimes in certain weather conditions.)
• Try and recover the casualty on the side of the boat oppo­site your controls and maintain him on the windward side to prevent the boat from drifting onto him. Find a safe area to recover the person away from the propulsion units. Whilst recovery is taking place disengage engines and place in neutral position. (Note above comment, judge the risks in accord­ance with the prevailing conditions.)
• If you have a Jason's Cradle (modern day recovery device to eliminate circum rescue collapse,) then spend some time with your crew learning how to operate it correctly.
• Once aboard, check the casualty for any injury. If unconscious, do not panic, calmly remember your first aid techniques and render aid. (It makes sense to know basic first aid at sea because it is unlikely initial medical help will be on hand if an accident occurs. RYA or similar specialist medical aid courses are available for those who go boating on a leisure basis.)
• If the casualty is unconscious keep their head towards the stern of the boat. This will enable the blood flow of a hypothermic person or someone in the state of shock to reach the inner core of the body.
• Inform someone else about the incident. Alert the authorities a the earliest opportunity.

Are throwing lines effective?

Indeed they are, but make sure they're of the buoyant hi­ghly visible kind and that they are always stowed correctly. Always take the tide and weather into account when using them, as a line around the prop will certainly not help the situation. You will also have to inform any other craft in the immediate area that they are deployed! Lifelines to secure crew on board are fraught with danger, Far better to provide plenty of grab holds for the crew to hold, rather than attach them to the vessel itself.

Can I use my GPS to search for the man overboard?

Yes, of course you can. If you are familiar with the modern GPS you will know that most sets have a MOB or Mark facility. The idea is simple. If someone falls over the side, the button on the set can be activated to allow the person to be found in bad visibility or severe weather conditions. Most sets will save and display the co-ordinates to enable you to home in on the casualty via a waypoint. This method works in theory, but ideally you need also to have a knowledge of tidal movements and the vector factors (wind and tide angles) to enable you to compensate and locate the person accurately. Do not suppose your casualty will be found in exactly the same position as indicated by the GPS waypoint, rather the GPS will make a first class guide if you take the weather pattern and sea movement into considera­tion. It's also a good reference allowing you to relay the co­ordinates onto the coastguard.

What happens if the wave height or weather impairs visibility?

What do you do if you fail to realise immediately that someone had gone over the side? Firstly, don't panic, panicking won't help the situation. Pass on the information you have to the authorities via VHF channel 16 or DSC. You could carefully run parallel to your wake or perform a Williams Turn, keeping a sharp full sweep lookout if you think the person fell in shortly before you become aware of the situation. Whatever the situation, do not rush, do not panic, keep your head. Think first in all instances- a few seconds to get your head in gear might save minutes or hours later. Nevertheless, search routines such as sector, keyhole, box, creeping line, jagged teeth or expanding box search to locate the casualty are tried and trusted methods of SAR. The main problem you will encounter will be the difficulties associated with getting a visual on the casualty. A person's head is a very small target at sea, so drive carefully at all times, but have the confidence to trust your chosen technique and always keep everybody informed during your search and recovery.

To gain further information about search and rescue procedures either participate in a training course or purchase one of the many books on the subject. (ie: There are some excellent Merchant Navy publications available on the market.) But, remember, common sense and the help of outside assistance play a major part in successful rescue at sea. At the end of the day, nothing replaces a steady nerve and the ability to make a calculated decision under stressful circumstances. Think out possible events in advance, prepare well and create a plan if only in your mind. Theory is excellent especially when coupled to experi­ence though the latter is harder to arrange in most instances. Of course we all hope we'll never find ourselves in a MOB situation but it certainly is worth putting some thought to the possibility of it occurring and making every effort to ensure that it never happens in the first place.

Mark Phillips