M.O.B.

M.O.B.



Harness Rules for Cryptic

Harnesses should be worn whenever

- Whenever a crew member feels it necessary.

- Whenever the sails are reefed due to the wind strength

- When approaching an area of tidal disturbance

- Whenever a person is alone on deck

- Always after dark

M.O.B.

Many people's first response to someone falling overboard, while the boat is under sail, is to turn on the engine and return under power. This technique can easily cause greater harm to the situation. Lines can get caught around the propeller and the spinning propeller can cause harm to the victim in the water.

Whatever method you choose the old mantra applies: Practice, practice, practice.

The Deep Beam recovery.

Yell “man overboard”.
Throw a PFD or other buoyant objects.
Assign a spotter.
Helmsperson steers to a 'deep beam' reach - about 20 degrees below a beam reach.
The apparent wind should be about 110 degrees off the bow.
Sail for about 2 boat lengths.
Tack into the wind and you will be all set up to return on a close reach.
Sail to windward of the victim.
Cut the sails to stop just windward of the victim.

The Quick Stop recovery.

Yell “man overboard”.
Throw a PFD or other buoyant objects.
Assign a spotter.
Tack the boat into the wind but leave the jib sheet trimmed on its original side.
As the boat tacks trim the main and leave it trimmed.
Keep sailing a circle around the victim always shouting encouragement.
When you are ready with a line to throw head upwind near the victim
Drop sails or approach on a close reach and cut the sails.
Return under power.
Secure lines so they are not dragging in the water
Cut the engine when close to the victim.

Under Power Recovery Technique

Yell “man overboard”.
Throw a PFD or other buoyant objects.
Assign a spotter.
Bring the boat upwind of the victim and broad side to the wind.
Then allow the wind to gently push the boat towards the victim
Adjust position with the engine.
Have crew throw lines to the victim
Be sure to cut the engine once close.


Or ... as the New Zealand Coast Guard would do it ...

WITH AN ENGINE


To stay as close to the person in the water as possible:
1. Come up to wind and tack, leaving headsail cleated so that boat stops hove to.
2. Throw a heaving line to the person in the water, if in range and haul alongide.
3. If not within heaving line range:
- start the engine
- lower or furl the headsail
- sheet the main sail amidships.
Ensure there are no lines or sheets lying loose that could foul the propeller.
4. Motor to leeway of the person in the water and approach him/her head to wind.

WITHOUT AN ENGINE


A simple way to recovery is to:
1. Put boat into an "apparent" beam reach (burgee across the boat). Allow yourself some sea room to maneuver and get yourself organized to recover the person from the water.
2. Tack and sail on the opposite beam reach (person in water now on weather bow).
3. Approach on a close reach easing the sheets in the final stages. Leeway will increase as you slow down - allow for this.
4. In a larger boat it is easier to come alongside to windward of the person in the water and make the recovery over the leeward side.
5. In a dinghy, come alongside to the leeward of the person in the water and make the recovery by he weather shroud.