Note: This is just a guide, Master and Mates may wish to modify this to suit their own ship.
Man overboard
Actions to be carried out:
Release lifebuoy with light and smoke signal on the side the crew member has fallen overboard.
Take immediate avoiding action so as not to run over the man overboard
Sound three prolonged blasts of the ship's whistle and repeat as necessary
Post a lookout with binoculars and instructions to maintain a continuous watch on the man overboard.
Hoist signal flag '0'
Commence a recovery maneuvre, such as a Williamson turn
Engage hand steering, if helmsman available
Note ship's position, wind speed and direction and time
Inform master, if not already on the bridge
Inform engine room
Place engines on stand-by
Muster rescue boat's crew
Prepare rescue boat for possible launching
Distribute portable VHF radios for communication
Rig pilot ladder/nets to assist in the recovery
Make ship's position available to radio room/GMDSS station
Broadcast URGENCY message to ships in the vicinity
