Safety while Sailing: Crew Overboard Tips and Equipment

As evening falls, there are scarce clouds about the horizon. For a sailor in his Wayfarer, an ominous feeling cannot be shaken. A voice breaks the persistent silence between the rushing of water against the sailboat, “Crew Overboard!” It is not something anyone wants to hear while sailing, but these few simple tips about rescuing crew members is invaluable:

1)First it is important to note the position of the overboard crewmember and mark the time. In the instance that there is a current, the crewmember could change position over time.

2)Throw as many flotation devices to the overboard crewmember as possible, as it will help the person overboard, and also create a localized area enclosing the person.

3)Have at least one person on the crew spot the overboard crewmember while rescue is underway so that he or she is always being monitored.

4)If the size of the crew is minimal, one of the crew may have to let go of the jib and maneuver with the main sail alone.

5)Use either the Quick Stop Method or Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method to bring the crewmember back on board the sailboat.

The Quick Stop Method is advantageous when performed correctly, as it is a fast technique. The boat can remain close to the overboard crewmember in this method and thus allow a greater ease in spotting the crewmember. A gybe maneuver must be performed in this method, making this method disadvantageous since high winds or minimal crew decreases the effectiveness of this method. The Quick Stop Method also cannot be performed if on a run.

A gybe is not required in the Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method, making it advantageous as well as it can be performed from any point of sail. However trading in for these advantages leaves the consequence of being farther away from the overboard crewmember and possibly lose sight of him or her.

Successful retrieval of the crewmember will also depend on the availability of safety equipment such as flotation devices. It will also help if the crewmember is wearing a boat life jacket. While most regulations require life jackets, ideally the life jacket should have the boat’s name, and be fitted with reflective material and a whistle. Preferably, the whistle should be one that does not have balls in them, since when filled with water, they are significantly harder to blow. The overboard crewmember could light a flare on their life jacket in poor visibility to signal his or her location in the water.

It would be best to have a liferaft aboard in the event something happens to the boat. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. The liferaft should not be stowed below deck if it is greater than 90 pounds in weight. Make sure to verify that the boat liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. It also is wise to keep a ditch bag, which contains emergency meal rations and water, in an easily accessible location.

Sailing cannot be dangerous if proper safety rules are followed. As long as the crew remains calm and vigilant, there is no foreseeable reason that the crew cannot have a great day out on the water.