What should a crew member do immediately after a man overboard incident?

In the event of a man overboard incident, the immediate priority is ensuring the safety of both the individual in the water and the crew on the vessel. Notifying the captain and preparing for recovery is essential because it initiates an organized response. The captain is responsible for making critical decisions regarding the vessel's maneuvering, communication with other vessels, and coordination of rescue efforts.

Preparing for recovery entails readying life-saving equipment such as life rings or life jackets, as well as ensuring that the crew is positioned to assist in the rescue. This structured approach increases the chances of a successful recovery while also taking into account the safety of the crew and the stability of the vessel.

Other alternatives, such as throwing a buoy or jumping in after the person, may seem well-intentioned but can complicate the situation. Simply throwing a buoy requires precise coordination and might not be effective if the vessel is not maneuvered properly. Jumping in after the person poses significant risks to the crew member's safety and can worsen the situation if additional people need to be rescued. Ignoring the situation is never an option in emergency response scenarios.