Man overboard: what to do in the first minute

Post · 3 October 2026 · Figures reviewed 6 October 2026

An MM lifebuoy striking the water with a splash — A generated illustration, made from MM’s photograph of the MMLB lifebuoy.

When someone goes over the side, the first minute decides most of what follows. A head in the water is hard to see from a moving boat, and the gap opens fast. These are the actions crews drill, in the order they matter.

The first actions

Shout “Man overboard!” and which side, so the whole crew knows at once.
Point, and keep pointing. One person does nothing but watch the person in the water, and never looks away.
Throw a lifebuoy ring at once, close to the person rather than at them. At night, throw one with a light.
Mark the position: press the man-overboard button on the GPS or chart plotter if there is one, or note the time and heading.
Bring the boat round towards the person, slowing as you come, and keep the propeller well away from them.
Call for help on the radio. A ship hoists flag O, Oscar, which in the International Code of Signals means “man overboard”.

Getting them back aboard

Come up slowly, take the engine out of gear close to the person, and pass them a line or reach them with a boat hook. Lift with as many hands as you have: a person in wet clothes is heavier than they look, and may be cold and too weak to help.

What makes it possible

Every step depends on kit being ready: a ring that comes free in a second, a light that switches itself on, a line that does not kink, and jackets on the people working the deck. See the lifebuoy ring specification and life jacket and lifebuoy lights.

An MM lifebuoy light floating upright and lit on dark water — A lifebuoy light at night. A generated illustration, made from MM’s photograph of the MMLBL.

The MM MMBLL buoyant lifeline, coiled, with its handle strap — The MMBLL buoyant lifeline. MM’s photograph.

Practise it

Ships under SOLAS hold regular drills. A fishing crew can run the same drill in a few minutes with a fender thrown over the side: shout, point, throw, mark, turn and recover.