When witnessing a person fall overboard, the observer should

• A. Call for help and keep the individual in sight.
• B. Immediately jump in to rescue.
• C. Notify the bridge from a distance only, without pointing to the person.
• D. Stop and do nothing until told by someone else.

Answer: (A)

When someone falls over the side, speed and accuracy matter. The observer’s first duty is to alert the crew and initiate the man overboard procedures so the vessel can be steered toward the person and rescue assets can be deployed. At the same time, you must keep the person in sight. Maintaining visual contact provides the precise location, bearing, and drift information needed for the bridge and the rescue team to coordinate a successful recovery. Shouting “Man overboard” and pointing at the person are standard cues that help everyone involved act quickly and decisively.

Jumping in to rescue without the right training, equipment, or a clear plan risks the observer’s life and can complicate the operation by losing sight of the casualty or creating additional hazards. Merely notifying from a distance without indicating the location won’t guide the rescue effectively, and waiting for instructions before acting wastes precious time.