Cruise Ship Man Overboard Response SOP

Immediate response procedure for a man overboard event on a cruise ship, covering alarm activation, distress communications, rescue launch authorization, external notifications, and coordinated search and recovery actions.

Steps

• The witness raises the man overboard alarm immediately
  Activate the ship's man overboard alarm and announce the side of ship, approximate location, time, and any visible details of the person overboard. If possible, provide a brief victim description including clothing, lifejacket status, and last known direction of travel.
• The bridge team marks the last known position and time
  Record the exact time, GPS position, course, speed, weather, sea state, and any witness observations. Capture the victim description and last seen location in the bridge log and incident record.
• The bridge officer deploys a life ring and visual marker
• The officer of the watch initiates GMDSS distress communication
• The master confirms rescue boat launch authorization
• The rescue boat crew prepares and launches the craft
  Prepare the rescue craft, assign a coxswain and communications watch, verify recovery equipment, and brief the crew on the search area and casualty recovery plan. Launch only when the master authorizes and conditions are safe.
• The bridge team coordinates the search pattern and ship maneuvering
  Select and announce the search pattern based on the casualty's last known position, visibility, traffic, and sea state. Use a Williamson Turn, expanding square, or other approved pattern as directed by the master, and adjust timing and track spacing to sea conditions and drift.
• The radio operator notifies the coast guard and rescue authorities
• The master assigns crew search and lookout responsibilities
  Conduct a crew accountability muster and confirm all assigned response roles are filled. Assign search sectors, lookout points, radio watch, and casualty support duties, and verify whether any crew member is missing or requires reassignment.
• The bridge team records all actions and escalates deviations
  Document all actions, timings, communications, search pattern changes, rescue outcomes, and any deviations from the response plan. If the casualty is recovered, coordinate medical assessment, first aid, stretcher or transfer preparation, and helicopter or shore-side medical support if required.