When someone falls overboard, what action should the skipper take?

When someone falls overboard, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the person in the water. Providing flotation to the individual helps to keep them buoyant while the vessel approaches them. Additionally, assigning a spotter is crucial for maintaining visual contact with the person in the water, which is vital to prevent further accidents and ensure that they can be retrieved safely. This approach allows the skipper to keep the person in sight while also navigating the boat back toward them effectively.

Navigating back to shore immediately may not be practical or safe, especially if the person is close to the boat, as it can create extra distance and complicate retrieval. Throwing a rope can be helpful but may not be effective if not combined with keeping the person in sight and ensuring they have flotation. Similarly, cutting the engine and waiting could leave the person in a vulnerable position without the support they need, especially if the boat drifts away from them. Thus, the correct action is to get flotation to the person and designate a spotter to effectively manage the situation.