SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-overboard-no-reverse

Someone falls overboard. How does the Coast Guard say you should go back to pick them up?

Circle around going forward, keeping them in sight. Never back up.

  1. Back up in reverse straight to them
  2. Speed past and toss them a line
  3. Circle around going forward, keeping them in sight ✔

Why: Backing up brings the propeller right toward the person in the water. Stop the boat, then circle around going forward with the person always in view. Shut the engine off when you are close.

Huh, didn't know that: The Coast Guard says to keep people in the water on the operator's side of the boat, always in view.

The dad joke
How much does a pirate pay for corn? A buccaneer.
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Sources

  1. USCG Boating Safety Division, Engine Cut-Off Switches https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-devices.php
  2. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterRight after someone falls overboard, what job should one passenger take on?Boating & WaterA three-blade propeller at 3,200 rpm can strike about how many times in one second?Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?

That's stuff everyone should know.