What should you do if you see an individual fall overboard?

• A. Alert the crew only from a distance.
• B. Throw a life buoy, hail 'man overboard', and pass the word to the bridge.
• C. Jump into the water to rescue immediately.
• D. Sound a general alarm without attempting to locate the person.

Answer: (B)

When someone falls overboard, actions to save their life must come quickly: provide flotation, alert the crew, and start the ship’s recovery plan through the bridge. The best approach is to throw a lifebuoy with a line to the person so they have buoyancy and a means to be pulled in, while loudly announcing “man overboard” to ensure everyone nearby knows the exact situation and location. Passing the word to the bridge starts the formal MOB procedure—the crew can track the person’s position, maneuver the vessel to return or come alongside safely, and coordinate any further rescue efforts. Jumping into the water without a trained rescue plan is hazardous for the rescuer and the person overboard, and simply sounding a general alarm without attempting to locate or assist delays lifesaving actions.