Cruise Ship Man Overboard Response SOP

Standard operating procedure for the immediate response to a man overboard event on a cruise ship, including alarm activation, bridge coordination, distress communication, rescue launch authorization, external notifications, and crew search coordination.

Steps

• Bridge officer activates the man overboard alarm
  The bridge officer immediately activates the man overboard alarm and broadcasts the alert over the public address system. Record the time of activation in the bridge log and confirm the alarm is audible throughout the vessel.
• Officer of the watch marks the last known position
  The officer of the watch records the exact time, ship position, bearing, and visual reference point for the last known sighting in the navigation log. Capture latitude and longitude to at least 0.01 minute precision and preserve the original course and speed at the time of the incident.
• Radio operator transmits the GMDSS distress message
  The radio operator sends the approved GMDSS distress alert and voice distress call using the ship's emergency communication procedure. Include vessel identity, MMSI, exact position, time of incident, number of persons overboard, and immediate actions already taken.
• Captain assigns search and recovery roles
  The captain assigns one crew member to communications, one to lookout, one to rescue craft coordination, and one to passenger control. Confirm each assigned crew member acknowledges the role by radio before search activity begins.
• Captain authorizes rescue boat launch
  The captain or designated officer reviews sea state, visibility, vessel movement, and crew readiness before authorizing launch. Document the decision in the incident log and proceed only if launch conditions are acceptable.
• Rescue boat crew launches and conducts the recovery search
  The rescue boat crew launches the boat under bridge supervision, maintains continuous radio contact, and searches the assigned area using searchlights and binoculars. Keep the boat clear of the ship's side and report search progress at regular intervals.
• Radio operator notifies coast guard and coordinates external support
  The radio operator sends the vessel identity, last known position, incident time, and actions already taken to the coast guard and nearby rescue authorities. Record all acknowledgements, instructions, and estimated response times in the incident log.
• Security officer maintains passenger control and search coordination
  The security officer keeps non-essential personnel clear of the response area, delivers only approved announcements, and reports crowd movement concerns to the bridge. Continue coordinating the search until the incident is resolved or the master stands down the response.