Question 52 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (With the victim to windward):** When approaching a person in the water (Man Overboard or MOB) in a small craft, especially in windy conditions (a fresh breeze), the victim should always be approached from the leeward side relative to the boat's direction, but the victim should end up **to windward** of the boat once stopped. This is the correct approach for safety and recovery because: 1. **Drift Control:** The small craft is subject to wind and wave drift. If you stop with the victim to windward, the boat will naturally drift down (leeward) onto the victim. This closes the distance, making the final stages of recovery easier and quicker, which is crucial for an unconscious person. 2. **Protection/Shelter:** Once the boat is positioned windward of the victim, the hull acts as a small barrier, providing a degree of shelter (a "lee") from the wind and waves, making it safer for the crew member performing the recovery. 3. **Maneuvering Safety:** Approaching slowly into the wind allows for better control over the boat's speed and momentum, preventing the risk of overshooting or accidentally running over the victim. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) With the victim to leeward:** This is incorrect. If the victim is to leeward, the boat will drift away from the victim, making the gap widen rapidly, complicating the recovery, forcing the boat to repeatedly maneuver back towards the victim, wasting critical time. **B) With the wind on your port side (and C) With the wind on your starboard side:** These options describe the relative direction of the wind during the approach maneuver but do not specify the crucial final position relative to the victim. While the approach may involve turning across or into the wind, the absolute priority is the final position. The wind should ideally be on the bow (or slightly off the bow) as you approach, ensuring the victim ends up to windward. These options are too vague and focus on the maneuver rather than the essential safety positioning.