MOB Procedure

Why Your Man Overboard (MOB) Procedure Matters

Having a clear, practiced, and effective Man Overboard (MOB) procedure is absolutely critical for crew safety. There are several established methods—each with its own logic and loyal followers.

The Quick Stop: My Go-To for Years

For years, I relied on the Quick Stop method, developed by the US Yacht Racing Union (USYRU) Safety at Sea Committee in collaboration with the US Naval Academy Sailing Squadron, the Cruising Club of America, and the Sailing Foundation of Seattle. It was based on solid research and real-world sea trials, and you can read their full report [here].

At the time, it seemed bulletproof. The logic was tight, the pedigree was strong, and the testing thorough. I taught it, used it, and trusted it.

A New Approach—And a Better One

That changed during my Instructor Course, when I was taught an alternative MOB procedure by Andy Fairclough from Flying Fish Sailing School. I have deep respect for Andy—his experience, clarity, and practical mindset are exceptional—and his MOB method just made more sense.

Why I Made the Switch

Reading the original USYRU report again with fresh eyes, I now realise their research had a significant blind spot: they didn’t evaluate this alternative method at all. Instead, their testing compared the Quick Stop only against various “reaching off” approaches.

More importantly, I now believe the Quick Stop method overestimates how tightly a boat can turn in real-world conditions, especially in strong wind. That’s a serious flaw in a life-and-death situation.

Key Differences in the New MOB Procedure

This new method is still a variation of the Quick Stop—what you might call a “Modified Quick Stop”—but it differs in three key ways:

Approach on a Close Reach (Not Dead Downwind)
Instead of running downwind toward the casualty, you approach on a close reach—about 60° to the wind. This gives you far better control, precision, and stopping ability.
Recover on the Leeward Side
You position the casualty on the leeward side of the boat during recovery. This is safer and more stable for getting them back aboard.
Adaptable to Downwind MOBs
Unlike the traditional Quick Stop, which works best upwind, this version handles downwind MOB situations effectively, making it more versatile in real cruising conditions.

Download the Procedure or Read On

You can download the procedure here, or read it below. First some discussion about this approach. But first, it’s worth unpacking why this approach works—and what makes it safer and more effective than some traditional methods.

Why This MOB Approach Makes Sense

There are several MOB recovery methods in use today. As skipper, you must choose one, document it clearly, and practice it regularly with your crew. Consistency is critical—confusion costs time, and time costs lives.

Many popular procedures only address upwind MOBs, but most actual incidents happen downwind—often during a broach or accidental gybe. That’s why this guide includes both upwind and downwind versions, using the same final recovery approach. Both must be trained for.

Why Leeward Recovery is Safer

Some MOB methods recommend recovering the casualty on the windward side, but this rarely works well in real conditions. A yacht’s windage is far greater than a person’s, so the boat will tend to drift away from the MOB. Ironically, when training with a fender, it often seems to work—because a fender has much higher windage relative to its mass. This creates false confidence.

By keeping the casualty on the leeward side, you:

Shield them from the wind and waves.
Present a lower freeboard for recovery.
Use the boat’s natural drift to bring you gently to them—without the risk of collision.

Why a 60° Close Reach Gives You Control

Approaching on a close reach (around 60° to the wind) gives the helmsperson the best possible control—both for adjusting speed and making tight directional corrections. This is the core strength of the method: it combines maneuverability with precision.

As you reach the casualty:

Ease the main.
Engage reverse to bring the boat to a stop just upwind of the casualty.
Then use gentle forward and reverse adjustments to stay just upwind as you drift slowly down to them.

Pro tip: You’ll need to reverse earlier and harder than feels natural at first. Practice is essential to develop the timing.

Recovery: The Critical Step

The most difficult and dangerous part of any MOB procedure is the recovery. This method uses a halyard from near the mast to lift the casualty aboard. You should rehearse this on the dock under controlled conditions—know which halyard you’ll use, how you’ll secure the casualty, and how you’ll lift them safely.

Yes, there have been successful rescues over the transom. But be warned: in moderate to heavy seas, the transom can rise and fall 2 metres or more, potentially crushing the person against the hull as they try to board. It’s a high-risk area in rough conditions.

Recovering amidships avoids this hazard and gives your crew a safer, more stable platform to assist.

See you on the water.

Tim Foster

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