Outline the procedures that should be implemented during a man-overboard situation from a large passenger vessel, addressing all crucial phases of the search and rescue operation.
A man-overboard (MOB) situation on a large passenger vessel is a critical emergency requiring immediate and coordinated action. The procedures implemented must be swift, effective, and well-rehearsed to maximize the chances of a successful rescue. These procedures can be broken down into distinct phases:
1. Immediate Actions Upon Discovery: The first phase is initiated as soon as a person is believed to have fallen overboard. This usually involves one or more of the following actions:
Shout "Man Overboard!" Loudly and repeatedly to alert the bridge and crew. This is the most immediate action, and should be undertaken the second the person sees or hears a person has fallen over. The person who observes the MOB should not hesitate, and this should be the first response.
Throw a lifebuoy: Throw the lifebuoy nearest to the location where the person fell overboard. Lifebuoys are designed to be highly visible, and are very important for the person in the water to use as a flotation device. Lifebuoys have a light and smoke signal attached to them and they can often be used to indicate the position of the casualty in the water.
Activate the MOB alarm: Activating the man overboard alarm will trigger an alert on the bridge that there is an emergency. The MOB alarm should immediately alert those on the bridge to the need to respond.
Observe and maintain visual contact: Whoever initially notices the MOB should remain focused on the person in the water and maintain visual contact with them. This enables the vessel to know where to start the search and what direction the MOB was last seen going. They should also point to the location of the MOB, and shout the direction.
Report to the bridge: Report all information that is known about the MOB to the bridge, and provide accurate information including the time that the MOB was first seen, and the last known position of the person in the water.
2. Bridge Procedures: The bridge team must take immediate action and respond to the situation by following these steps:
Activate the general emergency alarm: The general emergency alarm must be activated, which alerts all crew and passenger that there is an emergency underway.
Execute the MOB turn: This maneuver involves turning the vessel so that it returns to the position where the person went overboard. The type of turn may depend on a number of things, like the type of vessel, and weather conditions, but it must be completed as quickly as possible to minimize the search area. There are multiple MOB turn types that can be used and the bridge team must know them all, and be able to make a decision quickly on which to use.
Determine the vessel's position: The vessel’s position, course, and speed at the time of the MOB incident must be accurately recorded, and the location that the MOB was last seen should also be recorded. This will enable those undertaking the search, to know the location and to determine the initial search area.
Post lookouts: Additional lookouts must be posted in strategic positions to scan the sea surface, and to look for the MOB. They should be given a direction to search, and should be briefed on the type of clothing the MOB was wearing, and any other information that may be useful.
Inform the master: The master of the vessel must be informed immediately, who will take overall control of the situation. The master should then evaluate the information, and decide on the best course of action.
Broadcast a Mayday: Broadcast a mayday distress call if necessary, using the vessel’s radio system, providing details of the situation, the vessel’s position, the number of people in the water, and any other pertinent information. The mayday call must also include a description of the person that went overboard, any description of the clothes that the person is wearing and any other pertinent information.
Consult the Search and Rescue plan: The vessel should consult and implement the search and rescue plan specific to the vessel and that is in line with SOLAS requirements. All personnel involved in the search and rescue, must be familiar with this plan, and must know what their responsibilities are.
3. Launching Rescue Craft: This phase focuses on deploying rescue vessels as quickly and safely as possible.
Prepare rescue boat: The rescue boat must be prepared and launched by a team of competent crew members, and they must be properly equipped with all necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, communication devices, and rescue equipment. The crew of the rescue boat must be fully briefed on what they will be required to do, and where they must go.
Deployment of rescue boat: The rescue boat must be launched quickly and efficiently, using the correct launch procedure. Once launched, it must be maneuvered to the last known position of the MOB and begin searching in the area.
Communications with rescue boat: The bridge should maintain continuous communication with the rescue boat and provide them with up-to-date information about the location of the MOB, the search pattern and any other pertinent information.
Launch a second boat if required: If the search is protracted, it may be required to launch a second boat, which allows the search to be extended.
4. Search Operations: This is the systematic scanning of the sea, to locate and retrieve the person in the water:
Begin Search pattern: The vessel and the rescue boats must begin their search in the area where the MOB was last seen, using a pre-determined search pattern based on sea conditions, wind, current, and visibility. The search pattern must take account of all of these factors.
Continual assessment and adjustment: The search pattern should be continually assessed and adjusted based on available information, and the vessels should work methodically through the area, ensuring the complete area has been searched. If there is no success, then the search area should be extended.
Use of all available resources: All resources must be used to aid the search including the vessel’s radar, and night vision devices. Lookouts must continue to scan the sea to try to visually locate the MOB. All the data should be constantly assessed, and plans modified accordingly.
Consideration of environmental factors: The search pattern should take consideration of current and tide and this data must be reviewed and updated regularly as the search continues. Wind speed and direction should also be assessed and used to make search decisions.
5. Rescue and Recovery: Once the person in the water has been located:
Approach cautiously: The rescue boat should approach the MOB cautiously, taking into consideration wind and current. The rescue boat should get upwind of the MOB.
Provide assistance: The crew of the rescue boat should provide all necessary assistance to the MOB, using rescue equipment and life jackets. They should then get the MOB on board the rescue boat as quickly as possible and administer any necessary first aid.
Recovery of the MOB to the vessel: Once the MOB is safe on board the rescue boat, they must be brought back to the vessel and transferred to onboard medical personnel for assessment and further treatment if needed.
Post rescue procedures: Once the MOB is back onboard the vessel all crew involved should be debriefed, and any lessons learned should be reviewed to improve the emergency procedure. Post rescue procedures should include treatment of the MOB, the process of dealing with their clothing, and medical procedures.
6. Post Incident Procedures: After the MOB incident has been resolved:
Debriefing and analysis: A thorough debriefing of all involved should be conducted to review the effectiveness of the response and identify any areas for improvement. The process should be analysed to see if there are any lessons that could be implemented for future MOB situations.
Review procedures: The existing MOB procedures should be reviewed and updated to reflect the lessons learned from the incident. Changes to equipment or procedures, should also be implemented as required.
Reporting: Full details of the MOB incident must be recorded and reported to the relevant authorities. Records should be kept for future review.
Training: All crew must undertake regular MOB training to ensure they understand their responsibilities, and that they are well practiced in their roles. The training should include theoretical and practical aspects of MOB rescue, as well as how to use all the relevant emergency equipment.
These procedures are designed to provide a structured, well-coordinated approach to MOB incidents on large passenger vessels. Effective training, regular drills, and a culture of safety are essential for the successful implementation of these procedures and should significantly enhance the chances of a successful rescue.