What immediate actions are taken after a person is seen overboard?

• A. Notify security only
• B. Continue working and ignore
• C. Alert the bridge, throw a lifebuoy, maintain visual contact, and initiate MOB recovery procedures and safe return operations.
• D. Sound a general alarm only

Answer: (C)

Immediate man overboard response relies on a rapid, coordinated sequence to locate and recover the person. The best actions are to alert the bridge, throw a lifebuoy, keep visual contact with the casualty, and initiate MOB recovery procedures and safe return operations. Alerting the bridge brings the navigator and command into the loop so the ship can steer toward the person, coordinate watches, and deploy any additional resources. Throwing a lifebuoy provides immediate flotation and serves as a visible marker, increasing the chance the person remains afloat and can grab the aid. Maintaining visual contact is crucial for accurate tracking of position, wind, and current, guiding the recovery path and ensuring no one loses sight of the person. Initiating MOB recovery procedures activates the ship’s established plan: mark the overboard position, execute prescribed maneuvers to return to the point, deploy rescue equipment, and follow safe-recovery steps to bring the person aboard. These combined actions address both the immediate safety needs and the operational response to recover the person quickly. The other options omit essential elements such as maintaining sight, providing flotation, or coordinating with the bridge, so they do not provide a complete and effective response.