A passenger falls overboard while the boat is underway. What should be done first?
- Throw a flotation device and keep the person in sight
- Jump in at once and swim to help the person
- Put the engine in reverse and back toward the person
- Radio a Mayday before doing anything else
Show the answer
A. Throw a flotation device and keep the person in sight
The immediate steps are to shout 'man overboard', throw something that floats, and have someone point at the person continuously while the operator turns back. Backing toward a person puts the propeller next to them.
Reference: NASBLA boating education standard: person overboard
When picking up a person from the water, how should the boat be brought alongside?
- Quickly, with the wind astern, and the engine kept in forward gear
- Stern first, in reverse gear, so that the person can use the ladder
- In a tight circle around the person until they can grab a line
- Slowly, heading into the wind or current, with the engine stopped when close
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D. Slowly, heading into the wind or current, with the engine stopped when close
Approaching into the wind or current gives control at low speed and keeps the boat from being blown over the person. The engine is shut off when alongside so the propeller cannot injure them.
Reference: NASBLA boating education standard: person overboard
What is the first danger to a person who falls suddenly into cold water?
- Hypothermia, with loss of consciousness within a minute
- Cold shock, with gasping and loss of breathing control
- Frostbite of the fingers and toes
- Dehydration from the loss of body heat
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B. Cold shock, with gasping and loss of breathing control
The first minute brings cold shock: an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and a jump in heart rate, which can cause drowning if the head goes under. Hypothermia takes far longer, typically half an hour or more, to become life-threatening.
Reference: NASBLA boating education standard: cold water immersion