Who should observe the MOB first?

Who should observe the MOB first?

• A. The first crew member to observe the person overboard
• B. The Captain
• C. The Lookout
• D. The Helmsman

Answer: (A)

Spotting a person overboard triggers the immediate rescue sequence. The first crew member who sees the MOB must take charge of the moment: shout that someone is overboard, point to the person, and relay their exact location to the helm so the vessel can be steered toward them right away. Maintaining visual contact is crucial so the crew can follow the person and guide the recovery, while the rest of the team carries out the remaining steps (throwing a flotation aid, deploying a search pattern, etc.). The captain and helmsman play key roles, but they rely on the initial observer to alert them instantly. The lookout’s broader duty is to watch for hazards and assist in the search, but the very first sighting should be handled by the person who sees the MOB.

Spotting a person overboard triggers the immediate rescue sequence. The first crew member who sees the MOB must take charge of the moment: shout that someone is overboard, point to the person, and relay their exact location to the helm so the vessel can be steered toward them right away. Maintaining visual contact is crucial so the crew can follow the person and guide the recovery, while the rest of the team carries out the remaining steps (throwing a flotation aid, deploying a search pattern, etc.). The captain and helmsman play key roles, but they rely on the initial observer to alert them instantly. The lookout’s broader duty is to watch for hazards and assist in the search, but the very first sighting should be handled by the person who sees the MOB.