What should be the immediate action during a man overboard scenario?

In a man overboard scenario, executing the man overboard procedure is critical because it is a structured response designed to ensure the safety of the person in the water and to assist in their recovery. This procedure typically includes steps such as immediately marking the position of the incident, alerting the crew, and mobilizing resources to rescue the individual efficiently and safely.

While calling in a mayday distress signal may be appropriate in more extreme situations, it is not the first action taken in a standard man overboard protocol, as immediate recovery actions are prioritized. Turning the ship around to search for the person is part of the man overboard procedure, but may not be the first immediate action; it generally comes after the alarm is raised and preparations are made to ensure the vessel is responding effectively. Deploying life rafts for all crew members is not standard practice in this situation, as the focus should be on rescuing the individual who has fallen overboard rather than evacuating all personnel. Proper adherence to the man overboard procedure encompasses these aspects while emphasizing a swift and organized response to facilitate a successful rescue.