Man Overboard in. MAIB’s analysis of 20 incidents found that crews had, on average, less than 11 minutes to recover someone from cold water before they became unresponsive. In some cases, the available time was only four or five minutes.
The casualty may lose the ability to grip a rescue line, hold onto flotation or secure a lifejacket long before hypothermia becomes the main concern. An MOB plan that depends on active help from the person in the water may therefore fail within minutes.
Preparation starts before exposure: a correctly fitted lifejacket during work near or over the side, familiarity with the recovery equipment and dedicated MOB drills.
During the next drill, test whether the recovery arrangement still works when the casualty cannot hold a line or assist the recovery team.
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