What should a crew member do in the event of a person overboard?

In the event of a person overboard, the most appropriate action is to alert the crew and throw a life ring to the survivor. This response is vital for several reasons. Firstly, calling for help from the rest of the crew ensures that more trained personnel are involved in the rescue efforts. Immediate notification of the crew members allows for prompt action, including activating emergency protocols and ensuring safety on board while addressing the situation.

Throwing a life ring to the individual in the water is a crucial step because it provides them with flotation support, which can help them stay afloat until further rescue measures are executed. This action helps to stabilize the person and can significantly increase their chances of survival while waiting for assistance.

In contrast, calling for a helicopter rescue immediately may not only be impractical due to time constraints or location but also requires coordination that may not occur immediately. Ignoring the incident to avoid panic can lead to a lack of necessary action and potentially endangers the life of the person overboard. Jumping into the water without any equipment is highly risky and can put both the rescuer and the person in danger, as it may result in more individuals needing rescue and complicate the situation.