What should you do if a MOB search fails to locate the person promptly?

• A. Reassess the search pattern, declare a MOB search area, use radar, flares, and maintain visual contact with the water surface.
• B. Extend the search to the horizon only by visual search.
• C. Wait and see if the person surfaces.
• D. Switch to night-vision only and discontinue radar use.

Answer: (A)

When a MOB search doesn’t locate the person promptly, the priority is to rapidly adjust and intensify the search using all available means. Reassess the search pattern in light of drift, elapsed time, weather, and sea conditions, and declare a MOB search area to clearly define where the team will concentrate efforts. Use radar to sweep beyond the visual range, and employ signaling aids like flares to mark and illuminate the search zone. Maintain visual contact with the water surface so you don’t miss any sign on the surface, such as a body, clothing, or debris. This combination expands the search area and leverages all sensors and visibility aids to improve the chances of finding the person quickly. Extending only a visual search to the horizon is insufficient and slower; waiting for a surface reappearance is dangerous, and switching to night vision exclusively while stopping radar reduces detection capability.