What should a Coxswain do if a passenger falls overboard?

When a passenger falls overboard, the primary responsibilities of a Coxswain include ensuring the safety of the individual, coordinating a rescue, and maintaining control of the vessel. The correct course of action involves signaling for assistance, maintaining visual contact with the overboard person, and maneuvering the vessel back to them in a safe manner.

Signaling for assistance is crucial, as it alerts other vessels or search and rescue personnel that there is an emergency. Maintaining visual contact allows the Coxswain to track the location of the passenger, which is vital for a successful retrieval. Additionally, maneuvering the vessel back safely involves assessing the wind, tides, and current to ensure that the approach to the person in the water is executed without endangering additional lives or causing further accidents.

The approach of immediately turning the boat around and speeding towards the passenger could lead to accidents due to the potential for capsizing or causing injury to both the passenger and those on board. While throwing a life jacket is supportive, it is not a substitute for promptly rescuing the passenger. Ignoring the incident is never appropriate, as any time a person is in the water, their safety is at risk and requires immediate and organized action.