Manoverboordsituaties

Manoverboordsituaties, commonly known as man‑over‑board incidents, refer to events where a crew member or passenger is unintentionally separated from a vessel and enters the surrounding water. These situations can occur during routine operations, stormy weather, equipment failure, or human error. A sudden shift in weight, a broken rail, or a misjudged boarding maneuver are frequent triggers. Because sea conditions can vary rapidly, even a brief loss of balance may endanger both the individual and the ship.

International maritime law provides specific protocols for such incidents. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires vessels to carry adequate life‑saving appliances, such as lifebuoys and rescue nets, and to conduct regular drills. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued guidance on setting up rapid response teams and using specialized rescue equipment, including throw‑lines and aircraft‑based rescue helicopters.

In many countries, accident reports show that a significant proportion of man‑over‑board events happen during crew transfer operations or while working in the vicinity of the hull. Proper working‑area signage, guardrails, and personal protective equipment are simple but effective counter‑measures. Training in balance maintenance, use of safety lines, and immediate reporting protocols helps reduce the occurrence of these incidents.

When a man‑over‑board event is detected, the vessel must initiate the designated emergency response within minutes. Standard procedures include activating the ship’s alarm system, deploying a rescue rope or harness, and maintaining visual contact with the distressed person until rescue personnel can secure them aboard. The effectiveness of the response largely depends on the crew’s familiarity with emergency equipment and the conditions prevailing in the water.