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1. Preventing falls: rethinking safety on board
Falls overboard remain one of the leading causes of fatal accidents at sea, particularly among professional sailors. Regular risk analysis and feedback are essential.
The main factors in falls :
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poor weather conditions,
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increased fatigue during shift work,
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unsecured access to the sea,
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no clear division of labor.
Recommended preventive measures:
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ergonomic deck layout (handrails, anti-slip),
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wearing a harness and lifeline in high-risk areas,
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regular crew awareness-raising,
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adopting a culture of shared vigilance.
2. Floating safely: choosing the right PFD
Wearing a lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device) is mandatory and essential. But it must be adapted to the sailor's profile and the activity in question.
Regulations in force :
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for commercial navigation, Division 226 requires the use of a CE or SOLAS-approved PFD with a minimum buoyancy of 150 N for unsheltered decks.
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for pleasure craft, Division 240 recommends a minimum of 100 N in coastal areas.
Selection criteria :
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buoyancy adapted to the wearer and the type of sailing,
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ergonomics (freedom of movement, quick donning),
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compatibility with other equipment (harness, VHF, beacon).
Self-inflating models offer a good compromise, provided they are regularly checked (capsule, cartridge, chamber).
3. Locating the man overboard: reacting quickly, reacting correctly
The speed with which a person can be located determines the effectiveness of the rescue. Several systems can be used to signal and locate a person who has fallen overboard.
Recommended personal devices :
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aIS MOB beacons: connect to plotters or radar,
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pLB (Personal Locator Beacon): transmission via satellite,
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lED flashes and reflective tape,
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smoke or hand-held fires adapted to PPE.
Some models feature an automatic immersion trigger. The whole system must be checked and maintained regularly.
4. Recovering the man overboard: the onboard rescue chain
Recovering a shipwrecked person is a complex operation, especially in rough seas or on a ship with a high freeboard. So you need to be prepared in advance.
Key procedures and equipment :
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zone return maneuvers (loop, U-turn, etc.),
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retrieval device (arm, ladder, crane, net),
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secure recovery point on the ship,
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pre-defined role of each crew member.
Regular training, day and night, is essential. Simulated exercises help improve responsiveness and coordination.
Conclusion: Falling overboard safety is based on an integrated prevention chain: anticipate, equip, locate and recover. Each of these links needs to be reinforced by ongoing training and a shared risk culture.
