What should the POOW do if a person falls overboard?

The proper response for a Petty Officer of the Watch (POOW) when a person falls overboard is to execute a man-overboard drill, alert the Officer of the Deck (OOD), and deploy rescue measures immediately. This response is critical as it prioritizes the safety and immediate rescue of the individual in distress.

Executing a man-overboard drill ensures that all crew members are aware of the situation and can follow the established procedures for rescuing someone who has fallen into the water. This drill typically includes specific actions such as marking the location of the incident, launching rescue boats, and coordinating with other crew members to ensure a swift and effective response.

Alerting the OOD is essential because they have the authority and oversight to manage the overall response and make key decisions regarding the ship’s actions. The OOD may need to order the vessel to maneuver in a way that facilitates the rescue operation.

Deploying rescue measures immediately is vital because time is of the essence in such situations. The sooner rescue operations commence, the higher the chances of successfully recovering the overboard individual.

In contrast, the other options lack immediacy and fail to adhere to proper safety protocols. Calling for medical assistance without actively beginning rescue measures or continuing with watch duties could lead to