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MOB!..A real wake up call

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/05/2003 : 20:52:34

Last Saturday night after a party at our local yacht club a few skippers decided to go out for a night sail...I was really interested in taking my boat but I needed a crew, I knew the admiral would not like to be the only crew at night. Two of the more experienced sailors came over and asked if I was interested in going out and I said sure! They wanted me to take my boat since they had a bit to drink and did not want to skipper. Both of these gentelmen are good friends and also are past/current Commodores of the yacht club. One brought along his girlfriend and a 10 year old daughter so there were a total of 6 persons on board....everyone has a lot of sailing under their belt with Ocean charter boat experience, racing, and just fun cruising. The winds seemed about 10-15+ so I reefed the main so that we would not have to worry about excessive healing, it was about 10:30pm. Just after I raised the main and put out about 100% jib we began to round a point and the boat healed slightly (10 degrees). One of my guest was sitting on the combing and as we healed he put his full weight on the life line...the life line gate snapped open and he was immediately MOB...My MOB training immediately kicked in and I yelled "Man Over Board", Only my wife and myself was sober to move quickly..I began the figure 8 MOB since I knew we needed time to locate a spot light and find our MOB...in 5 minutes we were back and the Female guest on board threw the MOB a line but forgot to hold on to the end.....the wind caught us and we had to go back around..my wife got a life horseshoe to the MOB and the crew was still trying to get a line out..to late, we had to go around again...this time I directed the male guest to go to the starboard side and be sure to get the line to the MOB the `1st time and hold on tight to the end...this time after almost 20 minutes we had the MOB on board..he was really cold, no hyperthermia but he was in to long. My learning curve shot straight up on my first experience with a real live MOB...This is extremely serious stuff and I advise everyone to make sure they:
1. Have all safty equipment organized and accessible from the cockpit.
2. No matter how experienced the guest are on your boat...do not assume they will know what to do especially on an unfamiliar boat. Give clear and direct instructions without hesitation.
3. Do not spare cost for safety equipment...I will immediately spend another 5 boat units to upgrade mine & I exceeded coast guard reccomendations.
4. Everything is much more difficult at night...plan & practice to deal with it if you decide to sail at night.
5. Be sure you know the physical condition of everyone on board before leaving the slip, and if in doubt do not go.
6. Assign an adult to manage any children on board prior to leaving the slip...children can slow down the response time of the crew.
7. Be sure you have Libility insurance before any guest go on your boat.
The skipper is responsible for everyone's safety no matter what the crew or guest may do. There is much more to this but I feel a huge responsibility to make sure this never happens again...ever. I hope this can make everyone consider safty first,
Steve

Hey You #4455 SRFK

Edited by - ssteakley on 11/05/2003 22:04:41

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2003 : 22:13:40

Thanks a bunch for this very important topic. While I wasn't there and didn't observe your companions, I have a strong suspicion that alcohol was the prime factor in the person going over, and may have affected the actions of others afterward. That aside, assuming there are other reasons somebody can go overboard, being prepared and knowing what to do is a life-and-death issue.

Thanks again!

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2003 : 22:35:22

Yowser... scary stuff. That situation could have turned into a real tragedy.
Glad it ended up nothing worse than a wake up call.

Agree about the importance of the safety equipment. Since it's getting dark so early, I was pondering a night-time MOB situation the other evening.

Ordered a couple of 'personal' strobe lights. (half a boat unit)
One of them will live clipped on the throwable PFD and the other on my own PFD for single handing. IMHO good investment (tho I hope I'll never have to use them)

Edited by - on

ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2003 : 23:29:06

Bruce, I am definetly looking at Strobe lights as well and plan to add 2-3 myself prior to going out at night again. I surfed the net on boating safty and compiled the following check list: Please add on your thoughts,
Safety Check List:

1. Visual Distress Signals Flares, pistol type in easy accessible location from helm. --Current dates on flares, proper number
2. PFD’s for every person on board. Every child under 13 must wear a PFD. Suggest that anyone that is elderly, intoxicated, non-swimmers or in less than good health or physical condition should also wear a PDF.
3. Extra 50’ line accessible to the cockpit.
4. Large easy to see (yellow with reflectors) throwable life ring accessible from the cockpit.
5. Throwable flotation device with 100’ of yellow polyethylene line (floating line) accessible from the cockpit.
6. VHF accessible from the cockpit & learn the proper use.
7. Fully charged cell phone.
8. Complete First Aid kit.
9. Two Fire extinguishers. At least one B-1 Coast Guard approved type hand portable fire extinguisher
10. Whistle, Bell or Horn. Any Device capable or making an "efficient sound signal" audible for 1/2 mile
11. Anchor & Rode.
12. Boat Hook.
13. Tool kit.
14. Extra batteries for flashlight, handheld electronics.
15. Extra Prop nut and cotter pin.
16. AND BOAT/LIBILITY INSURANCE.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2003 : 23:41:34

How did you get the crew back on board???? I have no boarding ladder.

Added items for Ocean sailors:

GPS (tell the rescue people where you are)
Towels, Blankets (I always have a change of clothes, too, plus foulies)
gallon of water at least
re-chargable, hand held spotlight
harness and tether (I clip to the mast)
binoculars
I have a fixed and a handheld VHF
spare bulbs for nav lights

On a long cruise
I am a member of Vessel Assist (on the water towing service)
Filing a float plan with someone is a really good idea
Keep a log, write down your position, course and speed every hour
spare gas and oil, spark plugs, fuel filter
make sure your first mate can operate the boat if you're incapicated
sea sickness pills, ant-acids, tylenol

for the ocean racers

MOB pole, flag, strobe

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 07:13:53

Steve, I'm glad that this was no more than a wake up call! Night certainly complicates MOBs and the "party" beverages add to the mix. At least they weren't driving.

As I read your post I thought about Gary B's question about other activities for Nationals. A skills test certainly could/should include a MOB. Food for thought for those guys planning for Nationals. Gary, Frank, Bill.

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 09:02:15

That's a very scary story. 20 minutes is a long time to tread water.

As I read the post I found myself thinking of how hard it must have been find the MOB in the dark. I think that aspect scares me the most.

I have a couple of rechargable searchlights and will make sure to have one on board, and charged, if ever I go out at night.

Here is a 12 volt I found on BoatUS.

http://www.boatus-store.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=20002& langId=-1& catalogId=20002& productId=43920

PW

Edited by - on

SailormanCGA72
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 09:21:28

All of the suggestions listed so far are really good. One of the things that is absolutely necessary for a successful MOB event, and something we practiced throughout my Coast Guard career, is MOB drills. Steve knew what to do because it appeared that he had practiced the manuever.

One thing that I have thought about several times and I admit I have not remedied the situation, is to make sure my wife knows how handle the boat in the event it was me that fell overboard. Most often it is just the two of us in the boat. While she enjoys being on the boat, she has no interest in the actual sailing and limits her activity to the occasional pulling on a jib sheet. If I were to fall overboard, I'm not really sure what she would do. It's something to think about.

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 09:36:28

Thank you VERY much for sharing this experience, which could have been tragic. Like many sailors I know, I have TALKED about being prepared for MOB all these years, but definitely have NOT been ready. No excuse, sir. God bless you for helping all of us be more alert and ready. RON srsk Orion SW FL

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 10:13:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">One thing that I have thought about several times and I admit I have not remedied the situation, is to make sure my wife knows how handle the boat in the event it was me that fell overboard. Most often it is just the two of us in the boat. While she enjoys being on the boat, she has no interest in the actual sailing and limits her activity to the occasional pulling on a jib sheet. If I were to fall overboard, I'm not really sure what she would do. It's something to think about.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm in the same situation as you in that my wife does not have the skills to perform any kind MOB manuever should I go over the side. With this being the case, if I were to go overboard I've instructed her to throw the lifering and then just release the sheets. Hopefully, the boat will come to a stop somewhat close so I can swim back to it.

Edited by - on

Ellis Bloomfield
1st Mate

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USA
85 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 11:08:20

Probably should move your number five to the top. You are really asking for it if you allow people, sailors or not, on your boat when they have had too much to drink. And even worse at night. I recall several years ago a houseboat (more of a raft) showed up at the dock to take on more beer and gas. It didn't take long to figure out that almost everyone onboard was drunk and they had a number of kids aboard. While most of us watched in disbelief someone had the sense to call the water patrol and the boat was intercepted and confiscated leaving the marina. They have really clamped down on drinking and boating in this area.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 11:32:37

I share the same fate and concerns as others with just my non-sailing
wife and myself on-board. The one thing I do when I have to go on top of the cabin is to start my trusty 8 h.p. Honda and put it down in the water in neutural, wife does run the motor and does roll in the jib and drops the main on occasion. When I attended sailing school last year on Lake George the instructor made each of the four of us do a MOB recovery. When it came for the last student the instructor jumped overboard and played out everything that could go wrong. We did not have the advantage of a drop in the water ladder. Eventually we hooked him with the gin pole hook and got him aboard on the back of the boat. Lesson learned I don't think one person or even two can bring any fair size body back on board with out the aid of a swim ladder or readily available winch. "Bear" on the hard in upstate N.Y.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 11:39:36

The mainsheet block and tackle can be used with a sheet winch. I used to crane my dog back on board that way. More for fun and effect than an actual need to do so.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 12:22:57

I have noticed a few people on the slips who were too drunk to safely navigate the pulpits, power poles, dock poles, dock boxes, hoses, and V's of the actual slips themselves. A month ago I had to walk a friend to his boat and onto it before I would leave him alone. I woke up the next morning mortified that he had gotten out of his boat and fallen in the water. Fortunately he had not and was all right. Excessive drinking creates a lot of situations where we need to be vigilant.

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 12:28:18

Years ago, while sailing a Thistle, I had a live MOB drill. I told my wife and crew what I was going to do, and after some sailing time, "fell over, kinda like I missed the hiking strap. When I cam Up the boat was healed over quite a bit and I started wondering if this was such a good idea. Char took the helm and brought the boat, very nicely back to me. Then we tried getting me back on board. Eventually made it. Glad I didn't have to swim back to the club!

Recently, we were taking out the docks at the club, and I managed to be the one that fell in. Cold water, no life jacket and terrible time trying to get me back on the dock. My energy went bye bye very quickly, and I started into shock. Not a very good picture.

The guys at the club were great but getting me out of the water was a challenge, made more interesting because I broke 2 ribs in the process.

This thread is vital to help all realize the dangers of our sport. While not likely, the consequences could be devastating.

Edited by - on

Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 12:55:23

I highly recommend training your sailing partner on the basic MOB procedures.
At a minimum:
Life ring to MOB
Depower sails, turn into the wind, drop anchor to reduce drifting
Radio operation/emergency # for local patrol

As a retired Navy officer, the importance of MOB drills were apparent on my own vessel. When my wife first started sailing with me MOB procedures were one of the first learned. She can handle the boat and figure 8 recovery drill. It was also a confidence builder to help her feel better on the boat. Side effect was that I rarely get to take the helm on "her" boat. I'm now the bowman, grinder, ,steward, swab, and occasional MOB dummy

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 21:23:03

Sailnet's "Article of the Day" is on going overboard...

Edited by - on

ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2003 : 22:48:16

Thank you all for the support and comments...it shows that we all think about the same things but now we must all act to insure the maximumn safety for ourselves, the crew and any guest. My wife has also completed MOB drills in the context of a class and no practice since...but this experience has her ready to learn and be competent. Please share the thread with your wife. If they are just as competent than we will all feel safer, it will not be singlehanding with a passenger anymore. (And if they do not come back to get us them we will know why

).

and JimB...the Catalina 250 has a very convienent swim ladder that drops off the stern....I did lose $100 worth of safety equipment that floated away in the night but that is very insignificant compared to any other loss that could have happened.

Steve

Edited by - ssteakley on 11/06/2003 22:49:30

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 04:53:16

It IS a great story, and thank you for it. Just in case there are newbies who don't know about MOB drills, it's a good thing to regularly throw a cushion or PFD overboard and recover it for practice. YOU don't have to be the object in the MOB drill.

I don't allow drug-impaired people onboard. I know that alcohol and water are an extremely popular mixture, but not on my boat. Maybe that's because I've never liked the taste or smell of beer (a glass of fine wine with dinner is a different story). Too much can go wrong too quickly with intoxicated people onboard. The whole "let's go sit on the boat and anesthetize ourselves" culture just escapes me. I guess I don't live in that much pain. And if I did, I'd try to remedy it at the source.

Brooke

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 08:24:11

Dan & I make it a point to practice MOB drills at least once a year (and anytime a hat blows overboard). One thing to consider if it is usually only 2 of you on board is that only one of you will be doing the MOB retrieval. We have a system where whoever throws the cushion overboard then ducks down into the companionway & does not assist in the MOB drill. MOB retrieval is a lot harder when one person has to steer, handle sheets, and keep an eye on the MOB!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 08:24:14

Steve,

Have you now had time to inspect the pelican hook for the cause of the mishap?

Was it defective? Does the locking pin freely slide?

Had it recently been undone by someone who may not have latched it back correctly?

I have noted when using the mast raising system with the temporary stays, that if one is too tight, the pelican hook doesn't allow the locking barrel to slide into place easily. Did it not latch correctly because the life line was adjusted a little too tight?

Question to all, are pelican hooks subject to this sort of failure?

Interestingly we have talked on this forum a great deal over the years about so many safety issues but I can't recall pelican hooks ever being a matter of concern. Sometimes, we seem to get blindsided by things never given a thought to...

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 08:41:07

A lot of good stuff here. Our racing crew practices three or four MOB's a year with a real human when the water is warm enough to swim in. This year the skipper jumped in without telling anyone with the spinaker up...That makes for an even more interesting drill.

The one rule we have on our boat is mandatory Life Jackets after dark regardless of swimming ability - Natalie Wood through Mark Spitz.

The Key West Race mandates that as a crew you perform one MOB drill (their way - see link) and have the crew sign off on it prior to racing.

http://www.rorc.org/programme/mob.php

dw

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 09:49:03

That was a great link, it however does not say anything about figure 8's. What is the figure eight deal?

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 10:03:54

Figure 8 is one of several methods for returning the boat (under sail) to the site of a MOB. Another popular method is the 'Quick Stop'. Yet another is 'dump all the sails and start the motor'.

There is considerable debate over which of these methods is 'the best'.

Pressed for time this morning so I won't search, but google should yield a number of articles on this topic.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 10:29:28

[url="http://www.catalina22fleet58.org/Learning_Center/lc990303.html"]Figure 8[/url]

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2003 : 10:44:31

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Antares
 [url="http://www.catalina22fleet58.org/Learning_Center/lc990303.html"]Figure 8[/url]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thanks
I think I like the quick stop. I am a gybing fool on the starting line and all those 720's are good practice,

so I am comfortable gybing in any wind.

Edited by - on

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