What should you always do when someone falls overboard?

When someone falls overboard, having someone maintain a line of sight on the victim is critical for ensuring their safety. This action allows the crew to monitor the individual’s position and condition in the water. By keeping the person in view, it becomes easier to coordinate a rescue, as the individual can be guided back to the vessel.

Maintaining a line of sight also helps to avoid potential accidents or further incidents that could occur if the victim becomes submerged or struggles to stay afloat. This approach is particularly important because it focuses on immediate observation, which is essential for quick and effective rescue responses.

The other options, although relevant to safety scenarios, can distract from the immediate necessity of keeping an eye on the person in the water. Jumping in, for instance, can complicate the situation by potentially adding another person in need of rescue. While calling for help and using a radio to report the incident are important aspects of emergency response, they should follow the priority of keeping the victim visible.