Crew Overboard Equipment and Tips While Sailing

Dusk falls upon the water, with barely any clouds out in the distance. 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. Over the course of time, if there is a current, the crewmember will move.

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.

When performed correctly, the Quick Stop Methid is a fast technique. Allowing for easier spotting of the crewmember is the advantage of this method as the boat remains close. 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.

Using safety equipment such as flotation devices, can also lend to successful rescue of the crewmember. 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 life jacket should also contain a flare so that in the event of poor visibility, the overboard crewmember could light it to signal his or her location in the water.

If something were to happen to the boat, there should definitely be a liferaft aboard. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. If the liferaft is heavy, greater than 90 pounds in weight, it should not be stowed below deck. 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. There should be meal rations and water in an emergency ditch bag in an easily reachable location in the event of its need.

Only if proper safety rules are not followed can sailing be dangerous. The crew is definitely capable of having a fantastic day out on the water, as long as the crew is calm and vigilant of the actions around them.