If you cannot locate a man overboard, what should you do?

If you cannot locate a man overboard, what should you do?

• A. Leave the area and resume search later
• B. Continue search without relief
• C. Anchor a marker to indicate the area
• D. Do not leave the area until relieved by local authorities; anchor marker to indicate, GPS MOB button may be available

Answer: (D)

When a person overboard isn’t found, the priority is to stay on the scene and keep the search area covered while getting help from authorities. Abandoning the search area or resuming normal duties without relief risks losing the person if they drift beyond the search zone or if the crew becomes exhausted and less effective. The best approach is to remain in the vicinity, maintain a visual and radar watch, and initiate coordination with local rescue authorities. Marking the search area is essential. Anchor or deploy a marker to indicate the last known position and the boundaries of the search zone. This helps any rescuers—including other vessels and SAR teams—understand where the search has already occurred and where to rejoin the effort. If your vessel has a GPS MOB function, activate it to log and broadcast the last known position, making it easier for responders to locate the area and track movements. Do not leave the area until relieved by local authorities; continue to monitor and support the search in collaboration with those authorities.

When a person overboard isn’t found, the priority is to stay on the scene and keep the search area covered while getting help from authorities. Abandoning the search area or resuming normal duties without relief risks losing the person if they drift beyond the search zone or if the crew becomes exhausted and less effective. The best approach is to remain in the vicinity, maintain a visual and radar watch, and initiate coordination with local rescue authorities.

Marking the search area is essential. Anchor or deploy a marker to indicate the last known position and the boundaries of the search zone. This helps any rescuers—including other vessels and SAR teams—understand where the search has already occurred and where to rejoin the effort. If your vessel has a GPS MOB function, activate it to log and broadcast the last known position, making it easier for responders to locate the area and track movements.

Do not leave the area until relieved by local authorities; continue to monitor and support the search in collaboration with those authorities.